tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61581355591651114252024-03-13T01:44:49.670+00:00Self Sufficient CafeJasmine Trinityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06410942340169815790noreply@blogger.comBlogger373125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6158135559165111425.post-80865294671392237992016-05-30T13:00:00.000+01:002016-06-03T08:43:42.944+01:00Suma Bloggers Network-Mediterranean Pate<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJG0rPyOb82GbSBYRCly7mZtA2qd8U_g8sLW0n7Lkzczcnf5Qa5dAqCxJ6hTbw_53yV-Z4IscWAcPb3gRXeVumkNsdZxJJBfYOCOY9Fpj7UtpNVcLxfoj5zJovP9CjdJfCrEP-oGmyYiY/s1600/Pate-L2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJG0rPyOb82GbSBYRCly7mZtA2qd8U_g8sLW0n7Lkzczcnf5Qa5dAqCxJ6hTbw_53yV-Z4IscWAcPb3gRXeVumkNsdZxJJBfYOCOY9Fpj7UtpNVcLxfoj5zJovP9CjdJfCrEP-oGmyYiY/s400/Pate-L2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Well, it's been a while! It's been over two months since I last posted a recipe! I can't actually believe were in June already! I have been so busy this year I never seem to sit down, I've taken on the second half of my allotment which hadn't been used for years, and I mean years. It was full of couch grass and wild raspberries and so many brambles, its taken an age just to clear half of it but it is now done and potatoes are working the soil as we speak. As well as taking on a much larger plot (double in size) I have also gone back to college to become a qualified aromatherapist and boy did I not realise how much work was involved before I started! Don't get me wrong I'm enjoying it immensely but with working full time, taking on a larger allotment and going back to college something had to give. Unfortunately that was my blog! I'm still creating recipes (a girls gotta eat - right) but I just don't have the time to photograph, weigh all the ingredients and write a blog post - sorry. I'm hoping that over the next couple of months as I complete my case studies, write the last 4 assignments and do my final exam I will be able to get back into blogging and sharing my recipes with you. I'll also share some of my aromatherapy blends with you too. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Anyway on with the recipe. One thing I will find time for is Suma Wholefoods I love being part of their <a href="http://www.suma.coop/suma-bloggers-network/" target="_blank">Suma Bloggers Network.</a> There is a network of 11 bloggers currently and every other month we receive a selection of complimentary products to create a recipe and share on our blogs. To carry on the theme of my last few posts and the International Year of Pulses (IYP) the recipe I'm sharing with you today is made with chickpeas. I find chickpeas extremely versatile and there is never a day you won't find either a tin of chickpeas, a bag of dried chickpeas in my cupboard. They are great to use for a last minute meal whether that is houmous or used in curries, chillies and stews. This recipe uses them as a base to the pate and adds flavours of the Mediterranean.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Ingredients </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyYwApNXY4k5ypRBa476wlHvMEL5sMYUzuuwZx6t3b_UxJQ6oylGa6Ri1thezXF-0epXVqFASP7DDMEtUlkZIe0Nk5DFYixhHciu3WIT6L9ISiJ4Grv8WX-P0Ap6oV3x4a9hpHVPt38Zg/s1600/Pate-P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyYwApNXY4k5ypRBa476wlHvMEL5sMYUzuuwZx6t3b_UxJQ6oylGa6Ri1thezXF-0epXVqFASP7DDMEtUlkZIe0Nk5DFYixhHciu3WIT6L9ISiJ4Grv8WX-P0Ap6oV3x4a9hpHVPt38Zg/s320/Pate-P.jpg" width="211" /></a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1 Tin Suma Organic Chickpeas, rinsed</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">3 Tsp Suma Organic Vegan Pesto (heaped)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">3 Suma Organic Sundried Tomatoes in Oil, thinly shredded</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">10 Green Oilves, cut into quarters</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">6 Basil leaves, thinly shredded</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">6 Chilves, thinly sliced</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Black Pepper</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Method</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1) Mash the chickpeas into a large bow with a potato masher or fork</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2) Add the pesto and stir through to combine</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">3) Add the shredded tomatoes and chopped olives and stir to combine</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">4) Add the basil, chives and black pepper to taste, giving everything one last stir</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">5) Serve on crusty bread as a pate or sliced bread as a sandwich filler</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijh-JrbyL2db1HEQWuPfGoZl4ApyHt_SsN9mBeiXttDVyaZKuDlTTqkCa75gwYNBoC17YDEw8fN6YypmtrT-AQ-25WRtFBAATYs5ittUPEa5bmwCyyPYlHMmjOt8aglJgsu7M6gwmTeRw/s1600/Pate-L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijh-JrbyL2db1HEQWuPfGoZl4ApyHt_SsN9mBeiXttDVyaZKuDlTTqkCa75gwYNBoC17YDEw8fN6YypmtrT-AQ-25WRtFBAATYs5ittUPEa5bmwCyyPYlHMmjOt8aglJgsu7M6gwmTeRw/s400/Pate-L.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A perfect pate to take on a picnic, eating outside whilst soaking up the sun and enjoying the taste of the Mediterranean!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">To find more pulse recipes, read my <a href="http://selfsufficientcafe.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/international-year-of-pulses-iyp.html" target="_blank">International Year of Pulses (IYP) post</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Jasmine x</i></span>Jasmine Trinityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06410942340169815790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6158135559165111425.post-3200072172307185082016-03-20T21:55:00.000+00:002016-03-20T21:55:43.300+00:00Suma Bloggers Network - Chickpea, Kale and Leek Curry<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib_z0w0EMQOYOaUsFZXc95DArno4NfONAsVW7LieIovWoefLOO8IRIq7-dxLx5LWdMmZN3ba-fI3eD1CQIT0Pbr1ZLVOanlj_6y3aY9T3Gh3Xsq_633lMFv7X42USlqVg7y1caJqm_bY8/s1600/Curry-L1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib_z0w0EMQOYOaUsFZXc95DArno4NfONAsVW7LieIovWoefLOO8IRIq7-dxLx5LWdMmZN3ba-fI3eD1CQIT0Pbr1ZLVOanlj_6y3aY9T3Gh3Xsq_633lMFv7X42USlqVg7y1caJqm_bY8/s400/Curry-L1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Carrying on from my earlier post in relation to the International Year of Pulses, I wanted to share another recipe using pulses. I was hoping to share a baking recipe but its not quite perfected yet! Hopefully over the next few days I'll be able to tweak it so I'm happy with the finished result and then share with you as a bonus recipe.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">I absolutely love houmous, but I don't use chick peas very often in cooking, this is about to change. With the weather taking a turn for the worse, and getting colder, I wanted something warming and filling. I've been fighting off a lurgie of some sort for nearly 2 months now, and when everyone around me is dropping like flies I've kept going, just. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">I know my last Suma recipe was a type of curry, but when the weather is miserable and I'm feeling low curry is what lifts my mood and warms me from the inside out. I've never made a chick pea curry before, but I'm sold, and I'm sure more chick pea curry recipes will be created. For this recipe I teamed the chick peas up with a couple of ingredients from my allotment, leeks and kale and it was a perfect combination.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Ingredients - Serves 2 hungry people but will stretch to 4 servings</span></b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6nSKe81uEVxTtTc1SL1sSHLJNmQ2Rl3uWc0qaPEmZP9SrGkFzkfdtD4wUehPk-hXaJBNCAE29TNmsKG7xe9c5R2K1My7qgM8OFvpPHwnnEkabrEE1sAf2ekYa0LR05GS_lREzN6vTEP8/s1600/Curry-P1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6nSKe81uEVxTtTc1SL1sSHLJNmQ2Rl3uWc0qaPEmZP9SrGkFzkfdtD4wUehPk-hXaJBNCAE29TNmsKG7xe9c5R2K1My7qgM8OFvpPHwnnEkabrEE1sAf2ekYa0LR05GS_lREzN6vTEP8/s320/Curry-P1.jpg" width="212" /></a><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">1 Small onion </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">1 Red Chilli</span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">1 Thumb sized piece of ginger, peeled</span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">3 Garlic cloves, peeled</span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">1 Tsp (heaped) Garam masala</span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">1 tsp (level) Ground c</span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">oriander</span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">½ Tsp Ground cumin</span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">½ Tsp Turmeric</span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">1 Tsp and 1 Tbsp Oil of choice</span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">½ Tsp Black mustard seeds</span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">250g Leeks, sliced</span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">1 Tin Chickpeas drained and rinsed</span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">1 Tbsp Soy sauce</span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">100g Kale, shredded</span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">1 Tin Coconut milk</span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Salt and black pepper to taste</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Method</span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">1) Roughly chop the onion, chilli, ginger and garlic and add to a blender.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">2) Add the Garam masala, cumin, coriander and turmeric and the 1 Tsp of oil and mix till it forms a coarse paste.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">3) Add the other 1 Tbsp oil to a wok and the black mustard seeds. Heat slowly until the mustard seeds start to pop, about 2-3 minutes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">4) Add the curry paste and stir through the mustard seeds, cook over a low heat for a minute.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">5) Add the leeks and stir, cook over a low heat for 5 minutes, adding a little water if the leeks or curry paste start to stick.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">6) Add the chickpeas and soy sauce and cook for another 2 minutes before adding the coconut milk. If the coconut milk has separated into the liquid and 'cream', stir to make sure all the coconut 'cream' has melted.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">7) Add the kale and cook over a low heat for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">8) Add the salt and pepper to taste</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">9) Serve over wholegrain rice</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbZAfAJ07v5IvQTEflqWFbA3-8zYPgkYbIXe6t-8434j7_2qKIml-y92V7Sdhxi-LlmzVBqAgtx5Eih1wqpVzvFikNey4u1Ep7v8DiuepO5oBo00MfGmhHeNbHJ79gR2jOAuJx3xcJcZQ/s1600/Curry-L2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbZAfAJ07v5IvQTEflqWFbA3-8zYPgkYbIXe6t-8434j7_2qKIml-y92V7Sdhxi-LlmzVBqAgtx5Eih1wqpVzvFikNey4u1Ep7v8DiuepO5oBo00MfGmhHeNbHJ79gR2jOAuJx3xcJcZQ/s400/Curry-L2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Jasmine Trinityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06410942340169815790noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6158135559165111425.post-21864111118014190502016-01-24T16:50:00.000+00:002016-01-24T16:50:30.042+00:00Going Vegan at Chico's<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I don't know about you, but where I live vegan eats are hard to find! Unless you live in a large town or city your choices are extremely limited where to go out to eat. I'm lucky to have a pizza express in my town which is my normal go to place but we have no Wagamamas or Yo! Sushi here. So you can imagine my excitement when I heard about a little Mexican restaurant in the next town that had its own vegan menu!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfwoIos3pJC35-3zggQQ3wdauYkT4OWQIZYwoaf7ij7vTnKwD7G19UMa58iQ8vsN_tn112A92Oc1OTAx9cJET6NeGlLzSTJ7LsR4ga7VWxjMdSB0Ez1mb-vrcj74-SkXZxjhLi1Vdq2X0/s1600/Chico%2527s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="92" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfwoIos3pJC35-3zggQQ3wdauYkT4OWQIZYwoaf7ij7vTnKwD7G19UMa58iQ8vsN_tn112A92Oc1OTAx9cJET6NeGlLzSTJ7LsR4ga7VWxjMdSB0Ez1mb-vrcj74-SkXZxjhLi1Vdq2X0/s400/Chico%2527s.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Chico's is a small restaurant in Stone, which is decorated fabulously giving you a Mexican vibe while you are dining. The staff are extremely attentive without going over the top and the manager, Jimmy has everything running like clockwork. The bar was well stocked in fact I doubt there was a drink which they hadn't got!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After being shown to our table, I was handed their vegan menu and the dishes were explained to us. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We asked Jimmy why they had decided to create a vegan menu. He explained that the team included two vegans and a coeliac and whenever the team wanted to go out together on their night off or hold team building days it was almost impossible to find anywhere that would cater for them all. So after a few miserable attempts to find somewhere to go they decided to stay in the restaurant and the chef created food to suit everyone. The chef isn't vegan himself but the kitchen used to have a vegan sous chef who has since left. Between them they started experimenting with ingredients and created a vegan menu and a gluten free menu. Any time the team wanted a night out the team stayed in the restaurant, where they knew their dietary needs could be catered for. The menus then grew from there. Jimmy explained that there was no cross contamination of food in the kitchen, and they used a separate fryer for anything vegan. This alleviated my fears as I often wonder what happens when you order fried foods like chips, which is why I never do.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I was in heaven my own vegan menu to choose from and that included all three courses - yes there was a dessert menu which was vegan too! I'd deliberately not eaten much throughout the day as I wanted to try all three courses. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC9Ty4ELiYNI1QF4qw6fv863H2IrKeLPo80I_2SCWWrfHpRoUfuwMR2IDQYgAUVWSorZXSB_tY_IJ4EaV2m6fj5CGZgPwY4cnBiBBwGToAQSgmbBBL_hdCpI72UZnFw76G-xwyw7nUSos/s1600/starters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC9Ty4ELiYNI1QF4qw6fv863H2IrKeLPo80I_2SCWWrfHpRoUfuwMR2IDQYgAUVWSorZXSB_tY_IJ4EaV2m6fj5CGZgPwY4cnBiBBwGToAQSgmbBBL_hdCpI72UZnFw76G-xwyw7nUSos/s320/starters.jpg" width="188" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There were 7 choices on the vegan starter menu, some of these included fake meats, which I am not a massive fan of but there were other choices. You could choose from; Tacquitos, Nachos (with 5 different topping choices plus jalapeno's sour cream, cheese, guacamole and salsa), Quesadilla, Taco Shell, Potato skins (with two topping choices), Mexican Flatbread or Empanadas. My sister and I decided on a bowl of Tacos and a Mexican Flatbread to share.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">We seriously couldn't believe the size of the starters, we knew we were going to have to pace ourselves! The Tacos were to die for, extremely tasty toppings, we just couldn't wait to dive in. The chef makes his own vegan sour cream from tofu and the guacamole was so creamy everything was delicious. The Mexican flatbread was huge, all flatbreads are baked fresh to order and ours used a homemade dairy free roasted garlic, cilantro and aubergine butter, cheese, herbs and red pepper flakes. We struggled to eat everything and reluctantly left some of the flatbread as we didn't want to fill ourselves up, we'd got a long way to go yet. Our eyes were definitely bigger than our bellies!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivjwqeTRwIVvoTzTGF9aToCrUuQZZ4hDgHmLEJXRJQk6hrmKMKnrG7vj5flPpAkLRTwX767xy_Y6l5F74H6RQdfkkq39IiinekiMRVvNqDkzR-CXjyLNO2CAX19xRDnsYwRVzIrjopsII/s1600/Mains.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivjwqeTRwIVvoTzTGF9aToCrUuQZZ4hDgHmLEJXRJQk6hrmKMKnrG7vj5flPpAkLRTwX767xy_Y6l5F74H6RQdfkkq39IiinekiMRVvNqDkzR-CXjyLNO2CAX19xRDnsYwRVzIrjopsII/s320/Mains.jpg" width="191" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For the main course I had a selection of 14 choices, including all your usual suspects; fajitas, enchiladas, burritos and chili. I decided on the cajun vegetables fajitas, I mean how could you not after all your in a Mexican restaurant! Plus I wanted to see how they compared to my own fajita recipes. I was not disappointed! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The chef makes his own top secret fajita spice mix which was not too spicy but extremely flavoursome. The amount of vegetables that arrived on the smoking hot skillet was awesome. The mix included onions, red onions, </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">yellow </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">peppers, </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">red</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">peppers, mushrooms, aubergines, courgette and sweetcorn, topped with a lemon wedge. The fajitas came with 5 flour tortillas, guacamole, salsa, sour cream and grated cheese. I'd also ordered a side of refried beans as I am a sucker for these! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLaYeUrf0JR_LYB2j6Bnc6lz0nNoHUJP4s_SkI5ezayTJayvh7CdCk0Kxb1LiqIf8eKx7k0U4jjGGWCtJIEHeixIupsVvDb9iTBIY8hjchX1qv2zmok_ZHhW08QwAKeOWJFz5uOTlGFLU/s1600/Sides.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLaYeUrf0JR_LYB2j6Bnc6lz0nNoHUJP4s_SkI5ezayTJayvh7CdCk0Kxb1LiqIf8eKx7k0U4jjGGWCtJIEHeixIupsVvDb9iTBIY8hjchX1qv2zmok_ZHhW08QwAKeOWJFz5uOTlGFLU/s400/Sides.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'm not ashamed to say I was defeated! I simply couldn't eat all the food that came out! But it wasn't a problem, my leftover Cajun vegetables and refried beans were packaged up separately in take out containers for me to bring home. And I enjoyed them the next day!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Neither of us had any room for desserts, which was a shame as once again there were 6 vegan options including fruit Enchiladas or Burritos, Churros or ice cream. We did wait for a while in case our bellies allowed for another course but it was no use, we were stuffed. On my next visit I will try a smaller starter or have the nachos for my main course, but with plenty of other options I can see myself going time and time again.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It is absolutely fantastic that a small restaurant in a small town caters so well for those who choose a vegan lifestyle and it was music to my ears as throughout our stay I heard cries of "can I have the vegan menu please?". A massive congratulations to Chicos and I look forward to my next visit, which will be soon!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Chico's don't have an up to date website but please visit their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/chicos.mexican/?fref=photo" target="_blank">facebook </a>page which has photos of their menus. Go book yourself a table and enjoy a night out with delicious vegan food.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Jasmine x</i></span>Jasmine Trinityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06410942340169815790noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6158135559165111425.post-79730123366536617222016-01-10T17:18:00.000+00:002016-01-10T17:46:32.833+00:00International Year of Pulses (IYP)<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Did you know that 2016 is the United Nations International Year of Pulses (IYP)? No? Nor me until today! But how cool is that? A whole year devoted to pulses. It has even got its own hashtag - #IYP2016 </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The IYP has been launched to increase the awareness of the general public of the benefits associated with pulses. This includes nutrition, sustainable food production and working towards securing food for the future. Did you know that pulses can improve soil fertility and promote biodiversity?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So what food is included? </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pulses are part of the legume family which include edible beans, dried peas, lentils and chickpeas, all of which are nutritional powerhouses! Low in fat, high in fibre and B vitamins, a good source of iron and a great source of protein.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">T</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">o celebrate the launch of IYP, t</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">he United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) have even created a <a href="http://www.fao.org/news/audio-video/detail-video/en/?uid=11412" target="_blank">short video</a> highlighting the benefits of pulses. Food Tank have put together a list of how individuals can get involved too and celebrate the IYP2016. You can check out there list <a href="http://foodtank.com/news/2016/01/lovepulses-ten-ways-to-celebrate-the-international-year-of-pulses" target="_blank">here</a>. One way is to pledge eating pulses 1 day a week for ten weeks so to help I've put together my </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">collection of pulse recipes, 30 in total. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://selfsufficientcafe.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/suma-bloggers-network-adzuki-beluga.html" target="_blank">Adzuki Bean and Beluga Lentil Chilli</a> <a href="http://selfsufficientcafe.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/adzuki-bean-curry-i-love-leftovers.html" target="_blank">Adzuki Bean and Beluga Lentil Curry</a></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ2C5S1JNls4wfMiaFajhe0lojZh6cqfKYX1Ke_coWlxUBi4LpqaVXbgmj_0bW_ZxloaPMP_Z10WH5oL38mGS5aXN3MufrBSb3WeiGA8X9s59_D201M8fI_PEdmvha-I26QBE555wJd4w/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ2C5S1JNls4wfMiaFajhe0lojZh6cqfKYX1Ke_coWlxUBi4LpqaVXbgmj_0bW_ZxloaPMP_Z10WH5oL38mGS5aXN3MufrBSb3WeiGA8X9s59_D201M8fI_PEdmvha-I26QBE555wJd4w/s1600/1.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://selfsufficientcafe.blogspot.co.uk/2014/09/specials-board-courgette-lentil-loaf.html" target="_blank">Courgette & Lentil Roast </a> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://selfsufficientcafe.blogspot.co.uk/2015/06/oven-baked-falafel.html" target="_blank">Falafels</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://selfsufficientcafe.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/thankful-thursday-five-bean-tacos.html" target="_blank">Five Bean Tacos </a> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://selfsufficientcafe.blogspot.co.uk/2014/12/refried-black-badger-peas-hodmedods.html" target="_blank">Hodmedod Chilli</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://selfsufficientcafe.blogspot.co.uk/2015/06/home-made-houmous.html" target="_blank">Houmous</a> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://selfsufficientcafe.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/lentil-kale-loaf.html" target="_blank">Kale & Lentil Roast</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://selfsufficientcafe.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/leek-kale-butterbean-soup.html" target="_blank">Leek, Kale & Butterbean Soup</a> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://selfsufficientcafe.blogspot.co.uk/2014/07/specials-board-lentil-stuffed-mushrooms.html" target="_blank">Lentil Stuffed Mushrooms</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://selfsufficientcafe.blogspot.co.uk/2015/05/spring-into-action-part-2-meditteranean.html" target="_blank">Mediterranean Chickpea Spread</a> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://selfsufficientcafe.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/freekeh-pilaf.html" target="_blank">Mung Bean Freekeh Pilaf</a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge-A5T6J9C1GdzWadIHDdhcdevi-LNR5HjBubArvF-xr126IwLiT0kJEimv77zfH4IOvGEiDVBIDyK8GqLEq6vSYwgmddLMpuwytR-_5j8DPWiLB-ec-33XUCd0kHaXhGt8czDvaodBhM/s1600/14+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge-A5T6J9C1GdzWadIHDdhcdevi-LNR5HjBubArvF-xr126IwLiT0kJEimv77zfH4IOvGEiDVBIDyK8GqLEq6vSYwgmddLMpuwytR-_5j8DPWiLB-ec-33XUCd0kHaXhGt8czDvaodBhM/s1600/14+copy.jpg" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://selfsufficientcafe.blogspot.co.uk/2014/12/refried-black-badger-peas-hodmedods.html" target="_blank">Refried Back Badger Peas</a> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://selfsufficientcafe.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/three-lentil-soup.html" target="_blank">Three Lentil Soup</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I hope you enjoy some of the above dishes during the International Year of Pulses</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Jasmine x</i></span></div>
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Jasmine Trinityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06410942340169815790noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6158135559165111425.post-84970197806913377952016-01-09T16:48:00.000+00:002016-01-09T16:48:58.001+00:00Cheezy Cauliflower Soup <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The day started well with the sun shining and once again it is very mild for this time of the year. Marco and I went out for our daily stroll, it was that warm I considered taking my coat off! We passed the allotments but my plot is still very water logged so decided to leave digging up the parsnips and leeks till another day. I hope they'll be OK! By the time we finished our walk about an hour and a half later the skies had gone black and it had started to rain, so much for the sun coming out to say hello!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">By the time we'd got dried off the heavens had opened and it was pouring down, yet another dark, dank, miserable afternoon ahead. So, I decided to make some sunshine in the kitchen instead! I haven't been shopping since before Christmas, and t</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">he cupboards and fridge are getting rather bare</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> But nothing goes to waste in this household, so I opened the fridge door to see what treasures I could find or more correctly what needed using up ASAP!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sitting in pride of place was a dirty, tired looking cauliflower, that had seen better days! It was crying out to be used so I reached in and plucked it from the shelf, turning it round and round wandering what I could turn it into. I glanced outside and immediately thought it's weather for soup!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi8ghp23HmP85z0Q731_dtziRWMkfYwc8KCtwl-uLlkCVVUr-4OqMQlApjSUh0U74q9U-r9jUUM_Kd0EtklneoWLaYXRxaVB9Fvr9wUBR7f-yf6IXNAfJTMH8zEI8ttm4jeibXzy1gQFc/s1600/Soup3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi8ghp23HmP85z0Q731_dtziRWMkfYwc8KCtwl-uLlkCVVUr-4OqMQlApjSUh0U74q9U-r9jUUM_Kd0EtklneoWLaYXRxaVB9Fvr9wUBR7f-yf6IXNAfJTMH8zEI8ttm4jeibXzy1gQFc/s320/Soup3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Ingredients</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 Cauliflower</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">750ml Vegetable stock</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3 Tbsp Nutritional yeast</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 Tsp White miso</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 Tsp American mustard</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 Tsp Garlic powder</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 Tsp Lemon juice</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">¼ Tsp Turmeric</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Salt & Pepper to taste</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Method</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1) Cut the cauliflower in half and then each half into 3 pieces</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2) Pour 300ml of the vegetable stock into a saucepan and add the cauliflower.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3) Simmer the cauliflower for 10 minutes until al dente.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4) Pour the contents of the saucepan into a liquidizer or food processor, I used my trusty Vitamix. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5) Add the rest of the ingredients to the remaining vegetable stock and pour over the cauliflower. Blend until you have a smooth and glossy soup.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6) Serve in bowls and sprinkle with black pepper and parsley, perfect for dunking crusty bread into.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjSIu0PKaZoHKvif6zbg_w9OIEXcsuZWuXIlrj9r80uwlxNT6Qi8WZ82MjLKpPw5LFCvFRtdsoz-kEwLv3gkxmXWNTlXaVFA8lg9MAqfwsVznWy2Ob7b5lCqpsB6qaXCkr5MmjVzq3NRA/s1600/Soup2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjSIu0PKaZoHKvif6zbg_w9OIEXcsuZWuXIlrj9r80uwlxNT6Qi8WZ82MjLKpPw5LFCvFRtdsoz-kEwLv3gkxmXWNTlXaVFA8lg9MAqfwsVznWy2Ob7b5lCqpsB6qaXCkr5MmjVzq3NRA/s400/Soup2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYhklIDaKC76dCEI1Icc_6nUvYxbbyMA0H-4tOMw8mujq2LV0YcCdYYy04yHrVj9M1ZhY7nbrYe8rSb9cO4GR2gaVAp4gS7Mu-KtOdSEenTUHA-6vj5UgBj1FH5oy78n_GlNj4biLeEVw/s1600/Soup5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYhklIDaKC76dCEI1Icc_6nUvYxbbyMA0H-4tOMw8mujq2LV0YcCdYYy04yHrVj9M1ZhY7nbrYe8rSb9cO4GR2gaVAp4gS7Mu-KtOdSEenTUHA-6vj5UgBj1FH5oy78n_GlNj4biLeEVw/s400/Soup5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Perfect lunch for the dark, dank and miserable weather we are getting at the moment. I don't know about you but dunking crusty bread into comforting soup is one of lifes little pleasures!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Jasmine x</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Jasmine Trinityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06410942340169815790noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6158135559165111425.post-57466475584238364752016-01-08T06:43:00.000+00:002016-01-08T06:44:03.293+00:00Adzuki Bean Curry - I Love Leftovers<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now, I don't know about you but I absolutely loathe food waste. Its just down right ridiculous, food is precious so I try not to throw any away although mishaps do happen. Like when I forget something in the back of my fridge and it wouldn't do me any good to eat it! But this is rare, very rare. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It helps to plan what you're going to eat over the coming week, which I try and do. However, there are times when you have left overs and the odd vegetable in your fridge and you need to come up with a plan. Soup is always a good one, with a few herbs and spices you can make wonderful soups out of left overs. I've made soup with left over ingredients lots of times like the <a href="http://selfsufficientcafe.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/pea-spring-onion-mint-soup.html" target="_blank">pea, spring onion and mint soup</a>. I've also turned leftover soup into a curry, like my <a href="http://selfsufficientcafe.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/curry-in-hurry.html" target="_blank">curry in a hurry recipe</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today I'm showing you again how I've turned leftovers into another meal, most of the time my leftover creations actually double up in portions, which is even better. Remember my <a href="http://selfsufficientcafe.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/suma-bloggers-network-lentil-stew.html" target="_blank">lentil stew</a> from last Friday well that also turned into a curry and a delicious one at that, it must be a combination of all those wonderful spices! In making this recipe I also used up some leftover Christmas vegetables, bonus! Here's what I did</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Ingredients - Serves 4</b></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirtUgECybU8V5K_rDPaxe5P9SETm6EHvOU-scVKENzdI1bAWF2fvDpAqSuyhuPvZkFupflV177LikLwoiHd7b6Yhge2vu5vPy1Lp4xWCYlbVxVqVCT-mc34kuMgOzAHRSfPHe9l-0HBC8/s1600/Curry-P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirtUgECybU8V5K_rDPaxe5P9SETm6EHvOU-scVKENzdI1bAWF2fvDpAqSuyhuPvZkFupflV177LikLwoiHd7b6Yhge2vu5vPy1Lp4xWCYlbVxVqVCT-mc34kuMgOzAHRSfPHe9l-0HBC8/s320/Curry-P.jpg" width="212" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 Portions of <a href="http://selfsufficientcafe.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/suma-bloggers-network-lentil-stew.html" target="_blank">Lentil Stew</a> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 Potato</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 Parsnips</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">¼ Red cabbage</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 Tsp Curry powder</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 Tsp Ground cumin</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 Tsp Chilli powder</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">½ Tsp Turmeric</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 Tsp Oil</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">130ml Coconut milk</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Method</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1) Cut the potato and parsnips into chunks and put in a bowl with 1Tsp curry powder, 1 Tsp ground cumin and the oil. Mix to coat the vegetables and place into an oven tray and roast for 20 minutes. By the time the vegetable have finished roasting you will be ready to add them to the curry.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2) Shred the cabbage and cut into chunks. Add to a saucepan with a little water and simmer for 5 minutes, drain, squeezing out as much water as you can.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3) Pour the two portions of lentil stew into a saucepan and add the other tsp of curry powder and ground cumin and also add the chilli powder and turmeric. Stir to combine and place over a low heat, stirring occasionally.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4) While the curry is heating through pour in the coconut milk and stir to combine and bring to a simmer.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5) Add the drained cabbage and stir through.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6) Remove the roasted vegetables from the oven and add to the curry. Stir again so everything is incorporated and serve in bowls or with rice or poppadoms.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBh-Wi_UY_QFHvsRIcDdWH_dxP0HVr8p2jCkXlws1qGCIgZ9ca3FnQb1n2pgpTCQ0iYM65j3uYlD2zALIFQfxY7gitnW9YK0WNizxqFDMNLVSe4NeqMqVao-LPAfVZpMd5_9gpmiBzNsU/s1600/Curry1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBh-Wi_UY_QFHvsRIcDdWH_dxP0HVr8p2jCkXlws1qGCIgZ9ca3FnQb1n2pgpTCQ0iYM65j3uYlD2zALIFQfxY7gitnW9YK0WNizxqFDMNLVSe4NeqMqVao-LPAfVZpMd5_9gpmiBzNsU/s400/Curry1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Xp_EHF-DGVLKZwzDas1kMbqiUqMuxjvRAblcPt6r_-FBbkNReNXtonagqumvydgdzoDy986r1XUz-bi42uLNVaTVmVnZchztR4eXa3sKC_xwIfKxeTvNN3wO1VRwhzfSGyd-q2-t0UQ/s1600/Curry2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Xp_EHF-DGVLKZwzDas1kMbqiUqMuxjvRAblcPt6r_-FBbkNReNXtonagqumvydgdzoDy986r1XUz-bi42uLNVaTVmVnZchztR4eXa3sKC_xwIfKxeTvNN3wO1VRwhzfSGyd-q2-t0UQ/s400/Curry2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Jasmine Trinityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06410942340169815790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6158135559165111425.post-36474493478093202732016-01-03T07:00:00.000+00:002016-01-03T07:00:28.674+00:00Easy Peasy Guacamole<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt7iKUD2GigXeCm7628pQdgEctdRxuG6RBpB18F85v1SAnKMTjXPiwIV5A3EtWBbDI4ArMLYPkUTguoz0wtymR5yt3C1SIFvkS7mUGKDFPfOJKZdwDnc0gfvHkXcU34GBS8cK6Rs40z7U/s1600/Guacamole2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt7iKUD2GigXeCm7628pQdgEctdRxuG6RBpB18F85v1SAnKMTjXPiwIV5A3EtWBbDI4ArMLYPkUTguoz0wtymR5yt3C1SIFvkS7mUGKDFPfOJKZdwDnc0gfvHkXcU34GBS8cK6Rs40z7U/s320/Guacamole2.jpg" width="180" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last summer I never got round to posting my recipe for easy peasy guacamole. It only takes five minutes to make, and I for one, can't get enough of the stuff.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Its great on its own, on top of a chilli, on toast or with tortilla chips or if like me following a more healthier diet carrot sticks! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is very easily transported but needs to be eaten fairly quickly, otherwise the avocado starts to brown even if using lemon juice. I never have any leftovers, its always eaten on the same day and even in the same sitting!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Ingredients</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 Avocado</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">¼ Onion, finely diced</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3 Cherry tomatoes, finely diced</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 Tbsp Lemon juice</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Salt & Black pepper</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Method</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mash the avocado flesh with a fork, then stir in the other ingredients. Simple!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIT_3ZgrhO4LNZrYGgrtwPEPjquKlaT-0_pMn2a613clYhq5eZf3bDDzq32OnlBi0oLgqCvSShaFFEnvE7tKN9icouzcRnfPvLLjQr5miimmEC9UhFioit7sr9YSK9zEeGB9eH4LUelGI/s1600/Guacamole1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIT_3ZgrhO4LNZrYGgrtwPEPjquKlaT-0_pMn2a613clYhq5eZf3bDDzq32OnlBi0oLgqCvSShaFFEnvE7tKN9icouzcRnfPvLLjQr5miimmEC9UhFioit7sr9YSK9zEeGB9eH4LUelGI/s400/Guacamole1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Enjoy!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0jkHqT9-hwjD_mER1zAT7popsrjafKl8SaY1YL7aPK7WmkLgFPFJhoB9zDFjGalwEcCzuyieBaB7DMfMnxiusIFlYG10Y3nAml9aeNgKe__2sWTbdRQbFmfpWa0DWqFZylkDHM7I1M_M/s1600/Chilli1.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0jkHqT9-hwjD_mER1zAT7popsrjafKl8SaY1YL7aPK7WmkLgFPFJhoB9zDFjGalwEcCzuyieBaB7DMfMnxiusIFlYG10Y3nAml9aeNgKe__2sWTbdRQbFmfpWa0DWqFZylkDHM7I1M_M/s400/Chilli1.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
Jasmine Trinityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06410942340169815790noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6158135559165111425.post-83505088806582756212016-01-02T00:01:00.000+00:002016-01-04T12:46:21.056+00:00Suma Bloggers Network - Adzuki & Beluga Chili<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I hope you celebrated New Years Eve in style and thanked 2015 for everything that it gave you or celebrated all that it threw at you which made you stronger? I trust 2016 is already being kind to you, have you made plans how you are going to follow your passions?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've been busy with my aromatherapy assignments about the cardiovascular and lymphatic systems and the associated pathologies. I must admit I am finding being a student rather demanding but it has been a few years since I was last at University! It is proving very interesting learning about all the horrible pathologies that are out there. Reading about these just strengthens my views about healthy living, in mind, body and spirit.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have yet another chilli recipe for you today, using the ingredients from Suma. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd89JYActva7-V2UUqALU_Qhoc3OwSI31Sn_b38kzdd6eOhkLr_pWUE_AXG_UFEkO99Y2ApkqGFDyOHW7h7O0H-ybQC_ZUC0Ba_4UPoXFQM1fJCinE77eg4y-KXsnaJO3PZ0sZ1K03dGo/s1600/Ingredients.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd89JYActva7-V2UUqALU_Qhoc3OwSI31Sn_b38kzdd6eOhkLr_pWUE_AXG_UFEkO99Y2ApkqGFDyOHW7h7O0H-ybQC_ZUC0Ba_4UPoXFQM1fJCinE77eg4y-KXsnaJO3PZ0sZ1K03dGo/s400/Ingredients.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have lots of chilli recipes on this blog and have realised that it is one of my all time favourite dishes. All recipes are a little different and this one is too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Click on the links below for all the different chilli recipes here:</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://selfsufficientcafe.blogspot.co.uk/2014/06/specials-board-camp-dinner-adzuki.html" target="_blank">Adzuki and Sweetcorn Chilli</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://selfsufficientcafe.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/black-bean-and-spinach-chilli.html" target="_blank">Black Bean and Spinach Chilli</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://selfsufficientcafe.blogspot.co.uk/2014/09/specials-board-chilli-non-carne.html" target="_blank">Chilli Non-Carne</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://selfsufficientcafe.blogspot.co.uk/2014/12/refried-black-badger-peas-hodmedods.html" target="_blank">Hodmedod Bean Chilli</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://selfsufficientcafe.blogspot.co.uk/2015/02/winter-wellness-part-3.html" target="_blank">Winter Wellness Chilli</a></span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Adzuki Bean and Beluga Lentil Chilli - 4 Servings</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Ingredients</b></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWrxtWyhLFj0DWBvcF3iI9iGlWHtsRnbF41Tqqu72Y7AmbDfEGwoa1GST560ttdMdIkaLmMM-ulm7ykraT0o4xLeqJAUTodNJc8Ttc4GQsHo1oR-Dc7aGqJC50XV6o3UUrPGTE8dcb_1Q/s1600/Chilli-P1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWrxtWyhLFj0DWBvcF3iI9iGlWHtsRnbF41Tqqu72Y7AmbDfEGwoa1GST560ttdMdIkaLmMM-ulm7ykraT0o4xLeqJAUTodNJc8Ttc4GQsHo1oR-Dc7aGqJC50XV6o3UUrPGTE8dcb_1Q/s400/Chilli-P1.jpg" width="265" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 Dessert spoon coconut oil </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 Onion, finely diced</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 Orange/Red pepper, finely diced</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4 Garlic cloves, minced</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 Tin Suma organic chopped tomatoes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 Tbsp Tomato puree</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 Tsp Vegetable bouillon powder</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">150ml Water</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 Tsp Balsamic vinegar</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 Tin Suma organic beluga lentils</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 Tin Suma organic adzuki beans</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4 Tbsp Nutritional Yeast</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Spice Blend</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 Tsp Ground cumin</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 Tsp Smoked garlic</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 Tsp Smoked paprika</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 Tsp Chilli powder</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 Tsp Coriander</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 Tsp Cocoa powder</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 Tsp Dried parsley</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 Tsp Crushed chilli flakes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 Tsp Onion granules</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">½ Tsp Turmeric</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">½ Tsp Salt</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">½ Tsp Black pepper</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Method</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1) Prepare your spice blend, combine all ingredients in a small bowl.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2) Melt the coconut oil in a large pan over a low heat.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3) Sauté the onion until translucent, about 10 minutes, then add the diced pepper and cook for another 5 minutes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4) Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute stirring all the time so the garlic doesn't catch.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5) Add the spice blend and keep stirring and cook for 30 seconds.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6) Mix the vegetable bouillon powder with the water to make your stock.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">7) Add the chopped tomatoes to the pan and stir to combine. Add the vegetable stock and cook until bubbling. Turn down the heat and cook for 10 minutes or until the sauce has thickened.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">8) Add the tomato pur</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ée</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> and balsamic vinegar and give everything a good stir.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">9) Drain and wash the beluga lentils and adzuki beans and add to the chilli sauce and stir to combine. Cook for another 10 minutes until the beans and lentils have warmed through and taken on the flavours of the chilli sauce.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">10) Add the nutritional yeast and stir to dissolve into the sauce.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">11) Serve in bowls topped with guacamole or on top of cooked quinoa or a mixture of wholegrain rice and wild rice.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8XAzmTd-cMRFnQ2jv2SKneUQNcD1U4Q7u51UYUOGoJqxBVsCW6tLm5JJsLLPKEO0D4FxqzNeyr77g5MSrqkcQBzHjr6_j4l3psz4eyV8LpX7ZXj07u-_clcngZ5j89fkWMJWj-kAtM4c/s1600/Chilli2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8XAzmTd-cMRFnQ2jv2SKneUQNcD1U4Q7u51UYUOGoJqxBVsCW6tLm5JJsLLPKEO0D4FxqzNeyr77g5MSrqkcQBzHjr6_j4l3psz4eyV8LpX7ZXj07u-_clcngZ5j89fkWMJWj-kAtM4c/s400/Chilli2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-4AiQBFI79DpBwORpMRWtjkCwOGgAM0f32pcK8bAdbpyZKFsbybCndKgUF_yHloh3AjxhD_fzVbTKqa2hFfq-4DMNUNPQeAKyRh859dehZfFHtW1oPY2soU_VsQAzm0DLe7U6KrLxn3w/s1600/Chilli3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-4AiQBFI79DpBwORpMRWtjkCwOGgAM0f32pcK8bAdbpyZKFsbybCndKgUF_yHloh3AjxhD_fzVbTKqa2hFfq-4DMNUNPQeAKyRh859dehZfFHtW1oPY2soU_VsQAzm0DLe7U6KrLxn3w/s400/Chilli3.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />Remember to follow your passions and live the life you've always dreamed of!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Jasmine x</i></span><br />
<br />Jasmine Trinityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06410942340169815790noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6158135559165111425.post-63518328507530654282016-01-01T00:01:00.000+00:002016-01-04T12:46:53.316+00:00Suma Bloggers Network - Lentil Stew<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Happy New Year!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's hoping that 2016 is <b>THE </b>year! Let it be filled with great health, happiness, love and the year which your dreams come alive. Make this the year to discover your passions and live the life you've always dreamed of. So lets jump on the 'passion living' highway and start our adventures together! </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I came across a great quote I want to share with you (by unknown); "If what you're doing is not your passion, you have nothing to lose".</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>A few more quotes to get you started:</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"All our dreams can come true - if we have the courage to pursue them." - Walt Disney</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending." - Maria Robinson</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"A year from now you will wish you had started today." - Karen Lamb</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some changes that I'll be making to my life are to continue to improve my diet, I have already seen some improvement with removing refined sugar from my diet so onwards and upwards. I'll be experimenting more with healthy ingredients and I will share them with you right here and hope to publish more recipes too! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I look forward to completing my aromatherapy course and become a qualified aromatherapist, there's a long way to go but I'm passionate about it and will therefore find the time required. I love my essential oils and use them every day so I would love to help others reap their benefits. I might even post a few recipes here, watch this space.....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had a fantastic first year on my allotment, I can't believe the amount of food I grew, my chest freezer is still full! I'll need to do a lot more experimenting with food to use it all up before my next harvest is ready! I've met some fantastic people down there who have passed on their expertise and provided support when things haven't quite gone to plan. Over the next couple of weeks I'll be planning on where to grow all the seeds I've saved, purchased or swapped. Growing and eating your own food is the best feeling ever and trust me fruit and vegetables taste way better than shop bought produce!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thank you for all your comments you have left over the last year, it means so much to know people have stopped by and left a comment. I cant wait to read all about your plans for 2016 and hope we can share all the exciting adventures we pursue.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">OK, so the first recipe of 2016 is.........</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Lentil and Bean Stew</span></b> also known as Dal Makhini which translates to "buttery lentils". It originates from the Punjab region of India and Pakinstan, where the main ingredients are black lentils, kidney beans, butter and cream. Obviously my version of this fantastic flavoursome dish doesn't use butter or cream and I've replaced the kidney beans with adzuki beans. Why? Well, it is the start of a new year and so many people enter into a detox or weight loss programme and the adzuki bean has beneficial qualities to help you along the way. It is reported to aid weight loss and detoxify the body, so, why wouldn't you?</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1s7AIeN8t0cgbc9hPyiXZJD7IiCC3gdtWW05o36WHl-uUr-E0fkDETZU4FtiaaOuzKfgFSUz8TLGcwnePt8Gna-LhlYRDtZ8oEM5IgfGwgnjC7j0rSBY1AaiIro_nMJ9kdjOXvfb3Bok/s1600/stew-p.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Ingredients </b></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1s7AIeN8t0cgbc9hPyiXZJD7IiCC3gdtWW05o36WHl-uUr-E0fkDETZU4FtiaaOuzKfgFSUz8TLGcwnePt8Gna-LhlYRDtZ8oEM5IgfGwgnjC7j0rSBY1AaiIro_nMJ9kdjOXvfb3Bok/s1600/stew-p.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1s7AIeN8t0cgbc9hPyiXZJD7IiCC3gdtWW05o36WHl-uUr-E0fkDETZU4FtiaaOuzKfgFSUz8TLGcwnePt8Gna-LhlYRDtZ8oEM5IgfGwgnjC7j0rSBY1AaiIro_nMJ9kdjOXvfb3Bok/s400/stew-p.jpg" width="265" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">50g Sum cashew pieces </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 Dessert spoon of Suma coconut oil, melted</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 Onion, finely diced</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 Sticks of celery, finely diced</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6 Garlic cloves, minced</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 Tin Suma organic chopped tomatoes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 Tsp Vegetable bouillon powder</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">200ml Water</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 Bay leaf</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 Cloves</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 Tin </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Suma organic </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">beluga lentils</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 Tin </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Suma organic adzuki beans</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 Tbsp Tomato puree</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Juice of half a lemon</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Spice Mixture</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3 Tsp Garam Masala</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 Tsp Chili powder</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 Tsp Turmeric</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">½ Tsp Ground ginger</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">¼ Tsp Ground cinamon</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">¼ Tsp Nutmeg</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">¼ Tsp Salt</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">¼ Tsp Black pepper</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Method - Serves 4 people</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1) Soak the cashew pieces in water.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2) Prepare your spice mix, combine all spices in a small bowl.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3) Melt the coconut in a large pan over a low heat.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4) Sauté the onion and celery in the pan until the onion is just starting to brown.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5) Prepare the liquid mixture for the stew. Drain the cashew pieces in a sieve. To a blender add the tin of tomatoes, drained cashew pieces, vegetable bouillon powder and the 200ml water and blend to a sauce.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6) Add the minced garlic to the onions and celery and sauté for another minute.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">7) </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Add the spice mix to the pan and sauté for 30 seconds while stirring.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">8) Add the sauce, bay leaf and cloves to the pan and stir to combine. Cook over a low heat until the mixture is bubbling.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">9) Add the beluga lentils and the adzuki beans and cook for another 10 minutes to heat through. The beauty of using tinned pulses is that they are already cooked.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">10) Add the lemon juice and cook for another 5 minutes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">11) Serve in bowls with a sprinkling of parsley or serve over a mix of wholegrain and wild rice.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thanks Suma! As you know every two months I get to choose £20 of Suma products from the 7000+ vegetrian and vegan products they offer and in return I create a recipe using some of the ingredients.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was a difficult choice to decide what to cook with the ingredients and a close second was a beluga lentil and adzuki chili, which I also made and I will share the recipe soon. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wishing you all the very best for a most fabulous year ahead.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Love and peace</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Jasmine x</i></span>Jasmine Trinityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06410942340169815790noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6158135559165111425.post-53768139741469009662015-11-22T11:46:00.000+00:002015-11-22T11:46:08.683+00:00Tennis Elbow & Not a Racket in Sight<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNEQ4oYsmE6IJogM7say3KD6P19IDX4IWXZ1Q_Fkdw7t4u15U3fn6hTIvG7noXc6ewSAoDdfUYcHM1-XiUXiuWV0yfj3GQluLh6oOaS9-6fbSCJSPMTvWv7cskofXf8TO8CUCylG_b1_g/s1600/Smoothie3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNEQ4oYsmE6IJogM7say3KD6P19IDX4IWXZ1Q_Fkdw7t4u15U3fn6hTIvG7noXc6ewSAoDdfUYcHM1-XiUXiuWV0yfj3GQluLh6oOaS9-6fbSCJSPMTvWv7cskofXf8TO8CUCylG_b1_g/s320/Smoothie3.jpg" width="212" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I've suffered with Tennis Elbow for nearly three years and within that time I have had about 3 months respite when I was given a steroid injection. During those three months I was a new woman! Living with pain is hard, I'm normally an upbeat person who is always smiling and rarely down. Don't get me wrong like most of us, I do have down days but it doesn't take much to shift my mood. After those wonderful three months the pain came back, it had intensified and no ice pack was going to alleviate the pain. So, with a heavy heart, I went back to the doctors and had another steroid injection. This time it didn't work!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><br />I was in more pain than ever I couldn't believe it. I was prescribed anti-inflammatory drugs, rest (like, how can I rest my right arm when I'm right handed), ice packs and pain relievers. The pain was dulled but it never went away, I was becoming irritable, I was down in the dumps and my smile had disappeared. Typing, lifting anything, walking Marco, gardening were all things that I wanted/needed to do but made the pain worse. I wake up every morning with stiffness in my elbow joint and I can't fully extend my forearm. Typing this has taken me ages and I have done it in short bursts. I nearly didn't publish it but if anyone else out there is suffering I want them to know they are not alone and we can work through the pain and get our lives back on track.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I didn't think the pain could get any worse, but I had no idea what was round the corner. I tolerated the pain in my elbow, and I found ways of doing daily tasks differently, I was pleased with myself, I was coping. As I type that it sounds ridiculous but it was true I was coping, that's not living is it? But I had found ways to carry on doing the things I loved doing, like my allotment. That's where my smile came back I was in my allotment oasis away from the daily grind of work and suffering. It was my little piece of heaven, where I could escape, I carried on gardening and even found ways of digging without causing more pain to my elbow! I can even write with my left hand now, OK it's not neat but you can read it! I was back in control and I shoved two fingers up to pain!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It was during those fabulous days down the allotment that I started to suffer with back pain too, I put it down to the digging on my allotment. I wasn't doing much at all just a little bit here and there and probably no longer than 10-15 minutes at a time. I was lucky as it was harvest time so most of my time was collecting the produce I had grown, which did involve stretching to reach the tops of my bean poles!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The back pain worsened and I suffered with sciatica, it was excruciating but I soldiered on telling myself that there were plenty of people far worse off than me and I was one of the lucky ones. I was constantly going to the doctors and he sent me for an MRI scan. I wasn't expecting it to show anything I just thought I was going through a painful patch! It showed that I had a prolapsed disc and that my nerve was being trapped which was causing the sciatica. No more digging!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">To make matters worse I was suffering with some side effects of the drugs I had been prescribed. Enough was enough I stopped taking the drugs and decided I was going to take matters into my own hands. The side effects slowly disappeared as the drugs left my system but the pain was heightened. I can't go on coping like this I had to do something. I want my life back, yes, I'm not suffering as much as others are, I'm luckier than a lot but I wasn't living I was coping.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My aromatherapy is helping a little, I'm using avocado oil with a few drops of essential oils, black pepper, peppermint and rosemary and massaging it into the effected area. I also use a peppermint spray to 'cool' down the area. Even though I am a great believer in aromatherapy I knew I had to do more.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I have been doing a lot of research and I have bought a lot of books, which I'm working my way through.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> I believe that</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> by making changes in my diet I can help myself more. Now, don't panic I'm still vegan, nothing will change that! I've decided to cut out all refined sugar, yes, all of it! Yes, it's hard extremely hard especially when you're knackered and in pain but I know it <b>WILL </b>be worth it! Sugar is the number one inflammatory food so it makes sense to remove refined sugar from my diet.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'm only eating whole foods or clean foods so all that processed vegan food is a no no, but I will allow myself it occasionally, everything in moderation. I need to be extremely organised to stay on track. Every Sunday I prepare for the week ahead, yes, it takes time but its definitely worth the effort when you come home after a busy day at work and haven't the energy or are in too much pain to cook from scratch.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Most days I start with a smoothie packed full of anti-inflammatory foods, for lunch I have a whole grain with roasted veggies or salad and a dip or pate to keep it interesting, normally my beloved houmous with added turmeric. To finish the day off I have another wholegrain made into something delicious. Today I am going to share with you my favourite smoothie recipe at the moment.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Ingredients </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">100-150ml coconut water, <br />depending on how thick you <br />like your smoothies</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1 Orange freshly squeezed</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1/5th of a fresh pineapple</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1 Banana</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1 Medjool date, stone removed</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Handful of spinach/Kale*</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Handful of frozen raspberries*</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Handful of frozen blueberries*</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1 Tbsp Chia/Flax/Hemp seeds</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">*Grown by me!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Place the ingredients in your blender in the order above and whiz until you have a thick and glorious smoothie. My vitamix is fabulous for this as frozen fruit is no problem. Don't panic you won't even taste the spinach and it doesn't really change the colour of the smoothie either it just makes it more an intense colour.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Tennis elbow occurs as a result of tiny tears in the surrounding tendon and muscle coverings. Once the initial injuries heal, the tears repeat. These injuries leak out a protein called collagen, which in turn leads to inflammation.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Pineapples, Oranges and raspberries are all high in vitamin C, which contributes to cell growth and repair. They are also high in vitamin A which helps build collagen with tendons and other connective tissue. P</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ineapples also have an enzyme called bromelain, which is great to reduce swelling. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Raspberries, blueberries and spinach also have anti-inflammatory benefits.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Bananas will help keep you fuller for longer as they help control your blood sugars, so no need to reach for the vegan biscuit tin mid morning! They also have high levels of tryptophan, which is converted into serotonin, which helps to elevate your mood.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Increasing your intake of food that is rich in omega 3 fatty acids is also advised which will also help reduce the inflammation and provide pain relief. Chia seeds, flax seeds and hemp seeds are all fantastic vegan foods which are high in omega 3's.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Put all these ingredients together and you have a fabulous tasting smoothie which is helping you to heal!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Jasmine x</i></span><br />
<br />Jasmine Trinityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06410942340169815790noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6158135559165111425.post-85545399480859613912015-11-08T16:45:00.000+00:002015-11-08T16:45:34.175+00:00Vegan Eats in Chester<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My work week this week has been a short one as I had taken a couple of days off and believe me I could get used to working three days a week! On Thursday my friend and I had planned a day out in Chester. Can you believe it, I'd never been been to the actual town itself before. I had visited the outskirts before albeit over 20 years ago and walked down by the river but never ventured into the town and the shops! So as you can imagine I was looking forwards to it.</span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Unfortunately I hadn't managed to research where to eat which is always a worry for me! I do get very grumpy if I'm hungry! So, before I set off to pick my friend up, I took to twitter and asked for advice on vegan eateries in Chester. And twitter didn't let me down. As soon as we arrived we did a quick recky of the options that had been tweeted, to see what took our fancy. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The hands down winner without a shadow of doubt was Yo! Sushi, but a</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">t the end of this post are some of the other places we checked out! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yo! Sushi wasn't recommended to us but when I saw it memories of a Japanese restaurant in Darwin came flooding back to me and I remembered that there were a fair few vegan dishes on the menu. So we entered to see what they had in store....</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yo! Sushi is a Japanese</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> restaurant chain that delivers food to cutomers via a conveyor. It was founded in 1997 and its first restaurant opened in Soho, London. Since then it has a number of restaurants around the world, the first restaurant outside London opened in Birmingham in September 2003. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What is super exciting about this restaurant chain is that the vegan choice is absolutely amazing! Why I have not come across this before now is beyond me! But now I have found it I will be back for more and more and more and more! Birmingham here I come.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The restaurant in Chester is utterly brilliant and the staff there are fabulous and extremely helpful, which made the experience of eating there even more amazing. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Becca, Bexx and Kat were great and here they are posing for a photograph!</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Bexx, Becca and Kat</b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The restaurant itself is extremely clean and from what I could see after each dish was made there was a big clean up. In this place you certainly don't have to worry about food contamination. Even the toilets had a self cleaning handle! I know! How cool is that!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Each dish is presented in a dish or on a plate which is colour coded and the colour depicts the cost, so easy! They have 8 different prices, starting with all green plates costing £2, blue plates £2.70, purple £3.60, orange £4.10, red £4.50, grey £5, yellow £6 and white (their Sumo size bowls) £8.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We were really fortunate too, as on Thursday they were sharing their 'Blue Monday' offer where 40 dishes were at the blue dish price - bargain! To make it even more fabulous all of the vegan dishes were on there! Can you see why I was so excited to be dining there?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I said the vegan options are amazing here and Bexx brought out their nutritional and allergy booklet so I could see which dishes were suitable for me. I really was astounded at how many I could eat. It was a good job I was hungry as I ordered so many different dishes, all in all I ordered 8 dishes but I did share some of them!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On each table are taps to help yourself to still or sparkling water and if I remember correctly they were £1.70 each but you can have unlimited refills. Also on the table was the obvious wasabi paste, pickled ginger and soy sauce.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To start us off we had the aubergine salad and the Kaiso salad, which is sesame marinated Japanese seaweed, edamame, carrot and su-miso and absolutely delicious as was the aubergine salad. We could have easily tucked into another one but we didn't dare as so many other dishes were on there way!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next up were inari pockets, and if you love tofu you will love these, they were soy bean curd pockets filled with rice, delicious</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> dunked in soy sauce.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I seriously could have eaten more of the inari, so simple but yet so delicious but I needed room for the other dishes heading my way. Next up Vegetable Yakisoba, noodles with Asian vegetables in a mild tangy sauce, yet again utterly delicious. At the same time two other dishes arrived, Vegetable Gyoza, vegetable dumplings with soy & vinegar sauce and Vegetable Tempura. By this time I was in food heaven I'm actually surprised I managed to take photographs!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Tofu Katsu Curry was the next dish I delved into, the fresh tofu was deep fried in Panko breadcrumbs which sat on a bed of rice. It was topped with curry sauce and sliced spring onions. You can order this dish as a Suma dish if you wanted a larger portion too. I prefer the smaller portions because you can have more of them! The tofu melted in your mouth and the curry sauce wasn't too hot and very flavoursome. I was making a lot of mmmmm noises.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last but by no means least was the pumpkin Katsu, which was also deep fried in breadcrumbs. I left this dish till last as pumpkin is sweeter then most of the dishes I ordered so to me it was my dessert. Once again it was utterly delicious and looked extremely pretty.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So 8 dishes later and I was stuffed! I've been asking myself which dish was my favourite but I change my mind every minute. Every dish I ordered was to </span><strike style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">die </strike><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">live for, and each dish was a taste sensation. Hats off to Yo! Sushi for your vegan creations and I can't wait to return for another visit. During my next visit there will be dishes I haven't tried yet so I'm looking forward to it already.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A massive thank you to Bexx who made our visit an exceptional experience, she couldn't have been more helpful and was extremely knowledgeable with all the dishes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I got talking to Kat after our meal, the branch manager and I've persuaded her that the next venue should be my home town Stafford, so fingers crossed sometime in the future a Yo! Sushi will open here and you won't be able to keep me out of there!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Whilst I was in Chester I couldn't leave without visiting another recommendation from a fellow tweeter. I had to call into <a href="http://www.chesterhealthstore.co.uk/" target="_blank">Chester Health Store</a> and say hi to <a href="https://twitter.com/chesterhealth" target="_blank">Nicki</a>. Nicki has an absolutely gorgeous shop which offers a wealth of herbal supplements and health food options. Nicki has over 20 years experience in the world of health, nutrition and supplements and can help you choose the most appropriate product for you. I couldn't leave without stocking up on my nutritional yeast! I also treated myself to a small vegan chocolate bar - cheeky! If you're visiting Chester then do pop in and say hi, I'm pretty sure you will find whatever you're looking for in there. Plus the shop is gorgeous! Thanks for the recommendation </span><a href="https://twitter.com/Lilmissmeatfree" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Katy</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Other vegan eateries in Chester </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://twitter.com/Lilmissmeatfree" target="_blank">Katy </a>from Lil' Miss Meat Free told me that <a href="http://www.carluccios.com/" target="_blank">Carluccio's</a> has a vegan menu! So we headed straight there to check it out. Carluccio's is an Italian restaurant that is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner and serves quality, authentic Italian food. It also has a foodshop so you can buy some of the Italian loveliness to take home. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The vegan menu didn't offer many choices but the food did look very tasty and you can have any of the vegetable risottos tweaked to be vegan friendly, and there were two, mushroom or butternut squash. So if you fancy some Italian food then this is the place for you. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://twitter.com/IamMrsAuden" target="_blank">Sarah </a>told me all about <a href="http://www.hankypankypancakes.com/" target="_blank">Hanky Panky Pancakes</a> too, they can make you a vegan buckwheat pancake and you can choose your filling. Now our intention was too come here for dessert after Yo! Sushi as this place looked so darn cute! But unfortunately our eyes were far bigger than our bellies and we ate far too much at Yo! Sushi. A visit here will have to wait until my next trip to Chester. *Sigh*</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://twitter.com/roseandimza" target="_blank">Rose </a>and <a href="https://twitter.com/VBitesBrighton" target="_blank">VBitesBrighton</a> both told me about the Holland & Barrett More Store which is a super store in Chester and they have a massive selection of vegan products from food to toiletries and more. Quite recently Heather Mills started a partnership with Holland and Barrett and opened a third VBites cafe within the Chester store. The food sold in the VBites cafe is mainly mock meats (which I'm not a massive fan of) but they also sell gooey brownies, cake and according to <a href="https://twitter.com/JasmineTrinity/status/662174827076321281" target="_blank">Rose do an amazing hazelnut milk late</a>!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Jasmine x</i></span></div>
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Jasmine Trinityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06410942340169815790noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6158135559165111425.post-80562327725602478772015-11-04T19:00:00.000+00:002015-11-04T19:00:00.063+00:00Chikas Review<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some time ago now I was sent three Chikas products to review and I've held off my post as I wanted to make a peanut stew with one of the products. After a lazy weekend fighting off my cold and actually getting creative in the kitchen I'm ready to share my review with you, finally! But first what did they send me:</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">West African Peanuts</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Plantain Crisps</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Smoked Almonds</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chika's website is extremely informative and she advises that she "set out to create something that was defined by more that just a delicious product". Chika wanted us to "experience a journey to a beautiful and exotic part of the world" that is close to her heart.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Smoked Almonds<br /></span></b></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgflThHGYB7gUpLzGa-C2pTl2TQw1Gcbm3D39gSz_fgruTVJR-LHWG1Ij-LwWXkDeeVSOilz7jG6DA5JeGONp-jbEpJkrvElI5KbyF_8oQ48iUcVXildXWLEl8m1TJun0C0zYuj0bY2xcQ/s1600/Smoked+Almonds3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgflThHGYB7gUpLzGa-C2pTl2TQw1Gcbm3D39gSz_fgruTVJR-LHWG1Ij-LwWXkDeeVSOilz7jG6DA5JeGONp-jbEpJkrvElI5KbyF_8oQ48iUcVXildXWLEl8m1TJun0C0zYuj0bY2xcQ/s320/Smoked+Almonds3.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My favourite item without a shadow of doubt was the packet of smoked almonds! I love almonds and the flavour of these nuts were heavenly, they were absolutely gorgeous. As you can imagine they didn't last long! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They had just enough coating without being overpowering. You could taste the smoked paprika and a hint of heat came through with the black pepper.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chika doesn't use any artificial flavouring or colouring and these smoked almonds are a great source of protein and vitamin E.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Ingredients:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Almonds, rapeseed oil, salt, dextrose, rice flour, sugar, yeast powder, yeast extract powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, smoke flavouring, paprika and citric acid.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Plantain Crisps</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've only ever tried plantain once before and that was at the <a href="http://selfsufficientcafe.blogspot.co.uk/2014/10/notice-board-west-midlandsveganfestival.html" target="_blank">West Midlands Vegan Festival last year</a>! It was served with a chick pea curry and callaloo and I really enjoyed it!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0rmv60XAIf4H-T90UkRYYZVcwL2NpxRo_Xw8ZAXscpFdmGWwHLja9cMXvr5kLCbSMRGS1tXyFO9QXB4bLxZi6ZwmA8_Qsn80U13gBlk04tdMOD8CUuFOXwU7kybrGve0DABqc4evaBdM/s1600/Copy+of+plantain+dinner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0rmv60XAIf4H-T90UkRYYZVcwL2NpxRo_Xw8ZAXscpFdmGWwHLja9cMXvr5kLCbSMRGS1tXyFO9QXB4bLxZi6ZwmA8_Qsn80U13gBlk04tdMOD8CUuFOXwU7kybrGve0DABqc4evaBdM/s320/Copy+of+plantain+dinner.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I couldn't wait to try the plantain crisps as I hadn't eaten plantain since the vegan festival. I'm not sure what I was expecting but it wasn't what I tasted. Don't get me wrong they were tasty! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Plantains are naturally sweet which hadn't come across in the meal above </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(or my memory has let me down) </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">probably as it was served with curry. The plantain crisps were crunchy like you would expect, sweet and savoury thanks to the sprinkling of salt. The ingredients list contained three items that's all! Plantain, sunflower oil and salt so you definitely know what you are getting here.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigFDlv1d_F-dAjljJmbsx2Yg-0rO7Ox_55PurgrzBCph2o-E9I7b0x0DioVbsXcfcp844YDPtXrWYmsaOF0VvQ1Zv1M3Mt4habx3esPZ3VQ4LhQ1n2uan4uqoMPzPnxV4J6_8TyvYS7aM/s1600/Plantain+crisps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigFDlv1d_F-dAjljJmbsx2Yg-0rO7Ox_55PurgrzBCph2o-E9I7b0x0DioVbsXcfcp844YDPtXrWYmsaOF0VvQ1Zv1M3Mt4habx3esPZ3VQ4LhQ1n2uan4uqoMPzPnxV4J6_8TyvYS7aM/s400/Plantain+crisps.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chika also makes plantain crisps that have a hint of chilli and I think I would prefer them, they still only have four ingredients the same as above with the addition of chilli.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>West African Peanuts</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYPldfB_rneSzmRFo67s4T2HC-Cgh96m-1Ukk6hgxgdzaPJ_9_enkZe9XAdlHluT0ggXoqVx0edpdzFvgeqL0ddl3eh8nOKxDsJhBx4Bl79uggIgvwFqbnX6GqsDsoyLMwj4koMX0YvDY/s1600/Peanuts2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYPldfB_rneSzmRFo67s4T2HC-Cgh96m-1Ukk6hgxgdzaPJ_9_enkZe9XAdlHluT0ggXoqVx0edpdzFvgeqL0ddl3eh8nOKxDsJhBx4Bl79uggIgvwFqbnX6GqsDsoyLMwj4koMX0YvDY/s320/Peanuts2.jpg" width="212" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The packet I received had the skins on but you can buy them without skins. The skins don't bother me in the slightest though, in fact you get an extra dosage of antioxidents.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm not a massive fan of peanuts but this little packet changed my mind. I loved them, it was so hard not to eat the entire packet there and then, but I'd promised myself I would turn them into a peanut curry one night!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chika advises that these nuts are dried under the African sun before hand toasting over a wood fire, no oil is used in the </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">toasting process. Chika goes on to say most roasted nuts on the market use oil perhaps this is whay I favoured these nuts to any other? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chika says that their distinctive and rich flavour is down to the way they are made. A massive thumbs up for these nuts from me!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chika has other products too including chick pea crisps and black pepper cashews which I'd love to try.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jasmine x</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Jasmine Trinityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06410942340169815790noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6158135559165111425.post-24004394208578294742015-11-01T17:22:00.000+00:002015-11-01T17:22:24.603+00:00Vegetable Fermentation Workshop<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>HAPPY WORLD VEGAN DAY!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How have you been celebrating? Me? I've been chilling out, too exhausted to do anything else! I'm still managing to fight off the cold that everyone has, so rest and relaxation is what is in order. I've been surrounded with people who have colds and chest infections so how have I managed to fight it off? I believe a lot of that has to with my diet and being vegan, so another plus to a vegan llifestyle, the other reason is my beloved aromatherapy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I've been chilling rather than celebrating I thought I'd share with you something I did last month which was new and exiting, I went on a vegetable fermentation workshop which was awesome! Yes I made some Kraut!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Emma from <a href="http://www.wildpickle.co.uk/home.html" target="_blank">Wild Pickle</a> runs the events, and teaches you how to make and experiment with kraut. Emma also holds Kefir workshops and I will be attending one of those very soon. She is extremely knowledgeable and is happy to answer any of your questions.My friend "the gardening angel" couldn't believe how healthy and vibrant Emma's skin was, Emma is a great advert of vegetable fermentation! The workshops are fun and relaxed and you get to make your own Kraut. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnWBe3MJk1hLcwARhO3RCWSH4cGlOk1ta_ckKFnjP30ATgGNVm5BvCTRQFeryHThmoss7Q4jSmRKz6bEez0N-L92RvZJdxjxiZt06DuE5jnGXPL5Te1EyIjFwTKZYzvvYTx2B5zPJ6IJ8/s1600/Emma2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnWBe3MJk1hLcwARhO3RCWSH4cGlOk1ta_ckKFnjP30ATgGNVm5BvCTRQFeryHThmoss7Q4jSmRKz6bEez0N-L92RvZJdxjxiZt06DuE5jnGXPL5Te1EyIjFwTKZYzvvYTx2B5zPJ6IJ8/s400/Emma2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Emma supplies everything you need including local organic vegetables from which you can choose from to pair with your cabbage. You don't need to take anything with you, Emma has it sorted including handouts so you don't forget what to do. Emma is full of energy and extremely passionate about health and well being from the inside out. I was amazed to find out that we have around 500 species of bacteria in our gut all doing different jobs and weighing</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> in at about a kilo!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I paired my cabbage with onion, garlic, red pepper and oregano. Here's me massaging the ingredients, and yes those are my hands on Emmas website too!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As you can see the bowl was completely full with ingredients but it didn't take long before I had a pool of liquid and I was able to stuff the mixture into my jar.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXSwvjXyYCympPvK2O_gSa8gZ0Fi0DH934ZVnsnvlwCfRCI_Kfi2RxHl5hOZ86MP99br5wi18UmsVwWcmdwMdfUcGfYKgMCA3ATpuApCzJ7FPm_NCQdOngr-KQCiODDa6sDCQufn7e4wA/s1600/The+kraut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXSwvjXyYCympPvK2O_gSa8gZ0Fi0DH934ZVnsnvlwCfRCI_Kfi2RxHl5hOZ86MP99br5wi18UmsVwWcmdwMdfUcGfYKgMCA3ATpuApCzJ7FPm_NCQdOngr-KQCiODDa6sDCQufn7e4wA/s320/The+kraut.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Emma made one with carrots, onions and fennel seeds (I think), my friend the gardening angel made hers with onion, garlic, ginger and carrot.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We used the heart of the cabbage to force the mixture under the brine</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFu6VrXvvkSjCt9OatHfUx1Y6F0lrogYnNSXT6ExM8xCb4GSY1LaX9_pJjIP5Egjk0UiuhmaU-EBNrLdqyo4iou-2g25w8XKT_U3BIkyLVtPuvn3POz3ZWZsEcLvPD6U1_xzLOh7wzRHE/s1600/Kraut-stuffed2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFu6VrXvvkSjCt9OatHfUx1Y6F0lrogYnNSXT6ExM8xCb4GSY1LaX9_pJjIP5Egjk0UiuhmaU-EBNrLdqyo4iou-2g25w8XKT_U3BIkyLVtPuvn3POz3ZWZsEcLvPD6U1_xzLOh7wzRHE/s320/Kraut-stuffed2.jpg" width="213" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4TGBVBUiRidi8_UDOjo2OAAqF23kzgF_PvcT7m9NXqNCa5sPBhrzPEDfdKPLHDf4P5wqgo_spS3sgWQduU8ObWlMI-N3zy_oWdoB7kH65Bu63PFtnntuZn1Hhyphenhyphen3bA19m6Sk2FqQe7kRQ/s1600/Kraut-stuffed1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4TGBVBUiRidi8_UDOjo2OAAqF23kzgF_PvcT7m9NXqNCa5sPBhrzPEDfdKPLHDf4P5wqgo_spS3sgWQduU8ObWlMI-N3zy_oWdoB7kH65Bu63PFtnntuZn1Hhyphenhyphen3bA19m6Sk2FqQe7kRQ/s320/Kraut-stuffed1.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And the finished result....</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've left it on the kitchen worktop for two weeks as Emma advised and then put it in the fridge for another month and I'm going to open mine on Wednesday! That'll be exactly 6 weeks since I made it and I can't wait!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you've never tried kraut before then give it a go it's extremely good for you and if you're local why not attend one of Emma's workshops.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jasmine x</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Jasmine Trinityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06410942340169815790noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6158135559165111425.post-59668021320789268552015-10-18T22:40:00.000+01:002016-01-02T18:24:52.103+00:00Suma Bloggers Network - Getting Ready For Christmas<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oh my golly, can you believe it we're in the middle of October already, which means that there is less than 10 weeks till Christmas! In fact it's 68 days away, that's all!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As you can imagine I was delighted when my parcel arrived from Suma Wholefoods and I opened it up to find these goodies.....</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3g2AYMckQV1v5FE7AdtuYR_WFxWjqj8C16lzS4BIPjSGYzV3o5kvrOy0peBIb2RtnOA33fG3kVmsN8955yxY6hx00j84ZJPuoWIZBB3Q2geDlkvCHB14_kFo4mJTxHfosFm9U2ViNRTI/s1600/Ingredients.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3g2AYMckQV1v5FE7AdtuYR_WFxWjqj8C16lzS4BIPjSGYzV3o5kvrOy0peBIb2RtnOA33fG3kVmsN8955yxY6hx00j84ZJPuoWIZBB3Q2geDlkvCHB14_kFo4mJTxHfosFm9U2ViNRTI/s400/Ingredients.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let the Christmas food preparation begin! Amy at Suma had done me proud, this time I asked for a pot luck box so I really didn't know what I was going to get. When I opened it up I actually let out a squeal of delight! My box contained the following ingredients:</span><br />
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Organic Demerara Sugar</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Organic Dried Sweetened Cranberries</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Organic Almonds</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Organic Figs</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Organic Apricots</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pitted Prunes</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ground Cloves</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Vegetarian Suet</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Almond Orange Chocolate</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My mind flooded with Christmas ideas, and I'm going to share with you not one recipe but two. I haven't blogged for quite some time and I must admit I had lost my mojo for a while, but this little treasure of goodies soon got my appetite back (excuse the pun) for creating, cooking and blogging! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The first thing I decided to make was a batch of home-made mincemeat for all those delicious mince pies over the festive period, or if you're like me they start appearing back in my kitchen around Haloween or just as the nights are drawing in. Once the </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">cold dark nights arrive, t</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">here's nothing like curling up on the sofa mug of tea in one hand, mince pie in the other.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Quick & Easy Home-made Vegan Mincemeat</span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Ingredients </b></span><br />
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<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH7l9ClPqn6PntdCgGsdT5lvdyYkVoxH8PsrYndGmkEWH1GwBwYAbDLTNoEfs1JYSrdQf1Y2tA9cIvN9c7FZM_TDCp6UDRPGIpxyV4huBsdCwuktixkZWtPaUuZyBF5x_GbaXBTo7lgy8/s1600/Mincemeat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH7l9ClPqn6PntdCgGsdT5lvdyYkVoxH8PsrYndGmkEWH1GwBwYAbDLTNoEfs1JYSrdQf1Y2tA9cIvN9c7FZM_TDCp6UDRPGIpxyV4huBsdCwuktixkZWtPaUuZyBF5x_GbaXBTo7lgy8/s320/Mincemeat.jpg" width="212" /></a></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">100g Dried Figs</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">100g</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dried</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Apricots</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">55g</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dried</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sultanas</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">50g</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dried</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cranberries</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">50g</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dried</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Prunes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">25g Raisins</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">20g Mixed </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Peel</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">50g Alomnds</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">75g Vegetarian Suet</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">200g Bramley Apples, peeled, cored and chopped</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">150g Demerara Sugar</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 Tsp Ground Cloves</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 Tsp Ground Nutmeg</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">¼ Tsp Ground Ginger</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">¼ Tsp Ground All Spice</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">100ml Brandy</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Method</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chop the dried figs, apricots and prunes into the size of a sultana and add to a large bowl.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Add the sultanas, cranberries, raisins and mixed peel and give the mixture a good stir.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Add the almonds to a plastic bag or fold into a clean tea-towel and with a rolling pin bash the nuts into smaller pieces. Add to the bowl of mixed fruit and stir through.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Add the vegetarian suet, chopped apples and sugar and stir again making sure everything is thoroughly combined.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Add the spices and stir once again before adding the brandy. Now it should start smelling like Christmas!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Give the mixture a final stir and transfer to a sterilised jar and keep in the fridge. The mixture should last till Christmas and beyond, but I doubt you will have any left by then.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbwzRuOhZBAyXnc3v6JmdyRsXeDvIq7-qZyYcEEQDZPUHR9ZbHVxUjvj8W8R_n6HdXCRJvqjaBSeMRT3JDpbtzv0_pUUxVO8Q6I7FmA2Am2lCDyA7SZgxqx086SCeZaWxSGZrQGP84QkE/s1600/Mincemeat2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbwzRuOhZBAyXnc3v6JmdyRsXeDvIq7-qZyYcEEQDZPUHR9ZbHVxUjvj8W8R_n6HdXCRJvqjaBSeMRT3JDpbtzv0_pUUxVO8Q6I7FmA2Am2lCDyA7SZgxqx086SCeZaWxSGZrQGP84QkE/s400/Mincemeat2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All you need to do now is make your pastry and you're 15 minutes away from taking your first bite out of a mince pie!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg959ANst7EJBkTMT4oqw5jJEXkM-x2warLfPFTNUFhMAmYOgZJZIb3plWP8z3_UO-UphLeFmcdcBNclBbZCLJ7NJphEaDUiDk1oWVnRBfjTDTuyqwHcLhVU8GlGQWyBQmr5LH8wG3IDd0/s1600/Mince+pies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg959ANst7EJBkTMT4oqw5jJEXkM-x2warLfPFTNUFhMAmYOgZJZIb3plWP8z3_UO-UphLeFmcdcBNclBbZCLJ7NJphEaDUiDk1oWVnRBfjTDTuyqwHcLhVU8GlGQWyBQmr5LH8wG3IDd0/s400/Mince+pies.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhanFkJa_zsSSV8jZkvOkIj2VrOswydNAlhyFmCOjDxwzgS4BxuRdPkErfvlLiZ1UVMbNIgU1OzyRccG0tAgZBjbFTOllEj94rDe-KTD1g398S7ZtaTcBJA1YAG05_9p5DMFeFI4IIcL_Q/s1600/Mince+pies2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhanFkJa_zsSSV8jZkvOkIj2VrOswydNAlhyFmCOjDxwzgS4BxuRdPkErfvlLiZ1UVMbNIgU1OzyRccG0tAgZBjbFTOllEj94rDe-KTD1g398S7ZtaTcBJA1YAG05_9p5DMFeFI4IIcL_Q/s400/Mince+pies2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now with all those goodies it really would be rude not to make a Christmas Cake wouldn't it? And yes, even the chocolate went in this cake, not all of it mind you as it was rather tasty!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Ingredients </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIgO91zatR4ILSEcR37M-esXlbwl54i5KUUP0AA0FI_aK10TK-lWToiBfLobv-FeSzPvsR-Al70kh3O9lgNhWzPIoeqfZVePH2ZecLkD-RYTf4jBbI-5kdmeaKl8Zlh1fth7Zs5y8iHhQ/s1600/Cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIgO91zatR4ILSEcR37M-esXlbwl54i5KUUP0AA0FI_aK10TK-lWToiBfLobv-FeSzPvsR-Al70kh3O9lgNhWzPIoeqfZVePH2ZecLkD-RYTf4jBbI-5kdmeaKl8Zlh1fth7Zs5y8iHhQ/s320/Cake.jpg" width="212" /></a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">150g</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dried</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Figs </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">100g</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dried</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Apricots</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">100g</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dried</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Prunes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">75g Sultanas</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">50g </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dried</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Cranberreis</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">50g Raisins</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">25g Mixed Peel</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">125ml Brandy</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">300g Plain Flour</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">200g Demerara Sugar</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">50g Almonds, chopped</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">25g Dark Chocolate </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 Tsp Bicarbonate of Soda </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 Tsp Baking Powder </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 Tsp Mixed Spice </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">½ Tsp Ground </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cinnamon </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">½ Tsp Ground Cloves </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">100g Vitalite </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6 Tbsp Puréed Apple* </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 Orange, zest </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 Lemon, Zest </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">50ml Fresh Orange</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Juice</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk9-Lz84IoihjwpnW2ZZSg3OcC5M_1EQEN4DeIua5ibfGMWJ-pyFevYsZkTNajDKjtOH-Y5xLul8MC7HXX2QlPKH8PrFKbm4aN-x6zAxyPvtH5GnGKemKV656kY4PDqYxPlPTxZm2aR0c/s1600/Apple+Sauce.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk9-Lz84IoihjwpnW2ZZSg3OcC5M_1EQEN4DeIua5ibfGMWJ-pyFevYsZkTNajDKjtOH-Y5xLul8MC7HXX2QlPKH8PrFKbm4aN-x6zAxyPvtH5GnGKemKV656kY4PDqYxPlPTxZm2aR0c/s200/Apple+Sauce.jpg" width="132" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">* To make your own puréed apple, peel and core a few cooking apples and add to a pan, add a splash of water so they won't stick to the pan and simmer for 10 minutes or until the apples start breaking up. Use a potato masher to finish the purée. You can either store in a sterilised jar or freeze the mixture. 3 large tablespoons are the equivalent to 1 egg in recipes. I bag mine up in 3 tablespoon measures and store in the freezer.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Method</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chop the dried figs, apricots and prunes into the size of a sultana and add to a large bowl.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Add the sultanas, cranberries, raisins and mixed peel and give the mixture a good stir. Pour over the brandy. Let this mixture sit in the fridge for at least 24 hours.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0pk5l2rVrb8b7OkvzdJeSOQa9_q72GKa1W-zIXbYpSnLDWoE5Iba-O2zNGh3gkpryqy4bjOSuiTQzY3AMX85fvrK_9GD6e5lXGK01pkCdczw3HCa629u_I_R6WK6czJchZfkPDE5NmZI/s1600/Fruit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0pk5l2rVrb8b7OkvzdJeSOQa9_q72GKa1W-zIXbYpSnLDWoE5Iba-O2zNGh3gkpryqy4bjOSuiTQzY3AMX85fvrK_9GD6e5lXGK01pkCdczw3HCa629u_I_R6WK6czJchZfkPDE5NmZI/s400/Fruit.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When you're ready to make your cake, sieve the flour into a large bowl and add the chopped almonds, bicarbonate of soda, baking powder and all the</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> spices. Grate in the chocolate and give everything a quick mix.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In another bowl melt the Vitalite and add the puréed apples, zest of the lemon and orange and the orange juice. Whisk until all ingredients are combined.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and mix to combine, if your mixture is a little dry add a little more fresh orange juice. Be careful not to add too much though as you still have the fruits and brandy to add.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Top the cake batter with the dried fruit and brandy and stir to evenly distribute the fruit.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pour into a greased cake tin and bake in a low oven for 1½ hours or until a skewer comes out clean. Leave in the tin to cool before tipping out onto a wire rack. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_TyvQKX2fx3oM9hN3zIWtmXILM5R3BS_xGnGTgaV61WFvyEsyDAo4RsMdVOd9Qfb9Rerh8J48ujLxQ0FsddEKvRCYj8-bfn02sgck7j2cLVrS92Wt4aUfKl_MP9RKnD6wyLILYG6lp7k/s1600/Cake2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_TyvQKX2fx3oM9hN3zIWtmXILM5R3BS_xGnGTgaV61WFvyEsyDAo4RsMdVOd9Qfb9Rerh8J48ujLxQ0FsddEKvRCYj8-bfn02sgck7j2cLVrS92Wt4aUfKl_MP9RKnD6wyLILYG6lp7k/s400/Cake2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once the cake is completely cold wrap in greased proof paper and then tin foil and store in a cool dry place. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now I will be "feeding" my cake for the next few weeks with a little Brandy so it's not the finished article just yet. I will add a photo once the cake has been iced, so you can see the cake finished. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To 'feed' your cake make tiny holes with a skewer in the top of your cake and pour in a little brandy. You can do this as often as you like dependant on your taste. Do you like your Christmas cake boozy? Then add more brandy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After a few weeks of 'feeding' your cake you're ready to ice it.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiEh1bKefa65pE6hHfbCV1xKF70rnF1D6O-dY6P1HXxfo6EUayzhfpbOieoANPoK9jJTamR3a7pMtCcXOYKTDlhU2FMeOWuiUzYCRGUGBKJ25xCoLgFUMWGh0rFJs7zq-qCTMzQL4-mVg/s1600/Xmas+cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiEh1bKefa65pE6hHfbCV1xKF70rnF1D6O-dY6P1HXxfo6EUayzhfpbOieoANPoK9jJTamR3a7pMtCcXOYKTDlhU2FMeOWuiUzYCRGUGBKJ25xCoLgFUMWGh0rFJs7zq-qCTMzQL4-mVg/s400/Xmas+cake.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKO0bv81N1dOTI_uAOcSLF0irav8lN5FMViLorkv0XBmPJWe3TjLMjl022GKgPAEuX_jSrNua_JXwa-ipmweyemrkUm6lqHsClIDz-iBncxQYyT9zLdLNK-OhqoC_BKuWRnPftPMyeXsU/s1600/Xmas+cake2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKO0bv81N1dOTI_uAOcSLF0irav8lN5FMViLorkv0XBmPJWe3TjLMjl022GKgPAEuX_jSrNua_JXwa-ipmweyemrkUm6lqHsClIDz-iBncxQYyT9zLdLNK-OhqoC_BKuWRnPftPMyeXsU/s400/Xmas+cake2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I still have some ingredients left, so I will be making a third recipe for Christmas and there is only one thing that could be........Christmas Pudding!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So keep an eye out for that recipe too..........................</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jasmine x</span></div>
Jasmine Trinityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06410942340169815790noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6158135559165111425.post-51361483194451765722015-08-31T19:08:00.001+01:002015-08-31T19:08:37.651+01:00Allotment News<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga2OWXA-W6J2_UalURa-3IUvuyRM3BFr3pVaIbyDxuT_XTXTeEi3wP_KlFHGOSNENvT0Ia4lonn1jl-ej45xW8utceXJ_MRB5NokpnrvM52BpBNB3Gc0gpjhmC4PSWk2uq13mmh6Ro5Lc/s1600/Allotment.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga2OWXA-W6J2_UalURa-3IUvuyRM3BFr3pVaIbyDxuT_XTXTeEi3wP_KlFHGOSNENvT0Ia4lonn1jl-ej45xW8utceXJ_MRB5NokpnrvM52BpBNB3Gc0gpjhmC4PSWk2uq13mmh6Ro5Lc/s400/Allotment.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A few days ago I shared chocolate mousse Quinoa style recipe and I told you that I'd been really busy with my allotment. That is an understatement!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjlNoGMMTV6XNcDeVthfTXNM0a4Nd42D7_YLKIAnhir6-JPvFyWXsMB8D6x6R0CueuU23EdIEXTqwfgSnU3B038P0AHAwMSTL9bqavG63XddEdxaunxaDOITAhmGxDHICCKU8hBeYEYmQ/s1600/Beginings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjlNoGMMTV6XNcDeVthfTXNM0a4Nd42D7_YLKIAnhir6-JPvFyWXsMB8D6x6R0CueuU23EdIEXTqwfgSnU3B038P0AHAwMSTL9bqavG63XddEdxaunxaDOITAhmGxDHICCKU8hBeYEYmQ/s400/Beginings.jpg" width="281" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To remind you what it was like when I first took it on here are a few photographs.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was a proud owner of a massive plot which needed a hell of a lot of work, but I didn't let this worry me. Spending time down here is fabulous, and as an added bonus Marco loves it too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You can shut off from the world and get on with what needs doing. Before you know it you've spent hours down there, and I mean hours :o)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At first I must admit some days I did get a bit disheartened as I'd spend hours with not really much to show for it. But I needn't have worried my hours of work has paid back a plenty.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The first thing I needed to do was to weed the front part of the plot, the weeds were growing faster than I could weed! Thankfully I had a little help from my Mum and sister and it wasn't long before I started planting. Thanks guys! The plot is seriously huge and is in two distinctive parts; the front part which had been cultivated previously and the back part which was a jungle but did 'house' two apple trees, an eater and a cooker.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After digging over half of the front part of the allotment I was ready to plant. The first thing to go in? Two rows of potatoes, Charlotte potatoes to be exact. Boy are they tasty too!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf97Z5kA3W4OEmXrhBDJZ1KP6qssc-LSeGrk5j3xlFo0r2DvfUKJp9Q5X2sLCtQOKLaYLjtx8rBhm3U8WqWT2JNTavWBC5bn7iNr7DzYwLHixrclKj8n7aMh1alvxNj4R1bNN1Qe0sOFY/s1600/Rhubarb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf97Z5kA3W4OEmXrhBDJZ1KP6qssc-LSeGrk5j3xlFo0r2DvfUKJp9Q5X2sLCtQOKLaYLjtx8rBhm3U8WqWT2JNTavWBC5bn7iNr7DzYwLHixrclKj8n7aMh1alvxNj4R1bNN1Qe0sOFY/s400/Rhubarb.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the front of the above photograph you can see the rhubarb starting to grow, and my chest freezer is full of rhubarb crumbles, 12 to be precise! Plus bags of frozen rhubarb just in case I run out! The rhubarb is coming to an end now but its still growing the odd few tasty stalks for me to pick. I'll post my rhubarb crumble recipe very soon.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghOGexgBJfj0nLaP_8pYklQCwPJX4UfVazxgvdXxfSLVjwjcRG8wTwFXLM-Cza_37B-pdLYjvflgqpcZsz68dWZaK0zyWeovH3fXUcTzP8KwEsfI1UvwFZqgaczUGHlRU3qKP7vJYOB2c/s1600/Digging+montage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghOGexgBJfj0nLaP_8pYklQCwPJX4UfVazxgvdXxfSLVjwjcRG8wTwFXLM-Cza_37B-pdLYjvflgqpcZsz68dWZaK0zyWeovH3fXUcTzP8KwEsfI1UvwFZqgaczUGHlRU3qKP7vJYOB2c/s400/Digging+montage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once the potatoes were in it was time to plant two rows of onions and a row of shallots. The onions are doing great and I pulled a few on Saturday to leave out to dry but unfortunately the Great British weather has let me down! It has done nothing but throw it down with rain since! That'll teach me to believe the weather forecast! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8tAbmKEYADPWdaf56YbhwAptIOZ9x3oj158H37d-49f1DQ4Cv1P6sni8geEf8X_QfE_z4BeBrPxM_z75cczTOujS-G-F1q6Ut0beb5pCzy6GksKmodXTKqNFfSF2PT3v_eiVW7DHC6oc/s1600/Rhubarb2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8tAbmKEYADPWdaf56YbhwAptIOZ9x3oj158H37d-49f1DQ4Cv1P6sni8geEf8X_QfE_z4BeBrPxM_z75cczTOujS-G-F1q6Ut0beb5pCzy6GksKmodXTKqNFfSF2PT3v_eiVW7DHC6oc/s400/Rhubarb2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The next job was to dig out a bean trench and fill it with grass cuttings and vegetable peelings to help retain water (runner beans are thirsty plants) and provide some nutrients to the soil.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh38BoQTT0ZbsaEPRZeUzxqb6jc3AR4NDzamPwZVXZZEcAfb3wpEuhgwfVDRx1Lv21HY6xd9OoIDWbbeZrH7RbX27vbCjK1dqo6l7upWpvJfvtA7M_W37EchciJOorcSCWbC2U_81LuAm0/s1600/bean+row+montage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh38BoQTT0ZbsaEPRZeUzxqb6jc3AR4NDzamPwZVXZZEcAfb3wpEuhgwfVDRx1Lv21HY6xd9OoIDWbbeZrH7RbX27vbCjK1dqo6l7upWpvJfvtA7M_W37EchciJOorcSCWbC2U_81LuAm0/s400/bean+row+montage.jpg" width="305" /></span></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once the trench had been filled we watered it and shovelled back the soil. Next job was to erect the climbing frame for the runnerbeans. Yes its a play ground for vegetables!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The plot had a lot of 'rubbish' on it which we put to good use. The goal post frame and middle post are similar to that of old washing line posts. There are still a couple more to be used on the plot which I'm sure I'll find a use for. Next we tied two canes either side to form an upside down V shape and secured them with twine at the top.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We spaced them out so we could plant a runner bean plant or sow a seed to each post. As it turned out we sowed two seeds per cane or planted two runner bean plants to a cane. It hasn't done the plants any harm. In fact my first harvest from the plants weighed 1 stone in weight!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">OK, so potatoes and onions in, runnerbean area prepped and ready to go, what's next? Why its the carrots, spring onions and leeks of course :o)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was warned that the plot suffered with both carrot root fly and onion fly and that last year a lot of people lost their crops to both pests. Not to be put off I still sowed two rows of carrots, an old English heritage variety which is purple in colour and a second row in a more traditional variety. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikfhtCUhreQmFrn68cnL-utyoundmpq9UQyZDmqB9N9Kkx3ZWRmLaUuuuaC8KlqAhBpCXwgHbhzl2l0TYCpDG5GHUgqJ4W5u-z08POoNGSRdS8lOBm7dgKHVFZvfzvXYANh-D31dhvDcM/s1600/Carrots2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikfhtCUhreQmFrn68cnL-utyoundmpq9UQyZDmqB9N9Kkx3ZWRmLaUuuuaC8KlqAhBpCXwgHbhzl2l0TYCpDG5GHUgqJ4W5u-z08POoNGSRdS8lOBm7dgKHVFZvfzvXYANh-D31dhvDcM/s400/Carrots2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Unfortunately the purple variety never germinated but the more traditional variety produced some huge carrots, even if some of them were weird and wonderful shapes. I'm certainly not a grower of beautiful vegetables. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXsiIwRJfio0a1b1VBSo7bGM8WnzbvilYHbV3dA0fGE2u5lpvU_GR4drzgUTpcCu8Q4DdNJc7bM8B_MmSTc21oOr7TCth-nZycgcyvKMcuJD6lSfilMZx37LU93djHthbjX6kxdOFuItg/s1600/pots+onions+carrots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXsiIwRJfio0a1b1VBSo7bGM8WnzbvilYHbV3dA0fGE2u5lpvU_GR4drzgUTpcCu8Q4DdNJc7bM8B_MmSTc21oOr7TCth-nZycgcyvKMcuJD6lSfilMZx37LU93djHthbjX6kxdOFuItg/s400/pots+onions+carrots.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I covered both rows in a fleece to protect from the carrot root fly, but to be honest it didn't last long with the bad weather we had and after a couple of weeks it was full of rips and gaping holes. However I never took it off until the carrots had pushed it to its limits. Boy oh boy when I did I was so disappointed the rows were covered with weed! And the weed was bigger than the carrots. After hours of careful weeding, trying not to disturb the carrots so they release their scent to the carrot root fly the job was done. However if I could smell the carrots then that little pest would be able to!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Back home I was busy sowing seed, broad beans, runner beans, cauliflower, purple sprouting broccoli, kale, Brussels</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> sprouts, French beans, courgettes and winter squash. After a few weeks the broad beans were ready to be transplanted and I had more than a few! It turned out that the shop had sold me two varieties of broad beans instead of a pack of broad beans and a pack of runner beans! Even when I was sowing the seeds I did think the runner beans looked strange more like a broad bean but I thought the shop knows best and they did say they were a new variety of runner bean they were trying out so I ploughed on.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You can see in the photo above that the potatoes had started to grow, so too had the onions and shallots. Behind them are the fleeced carrots and behind that on the left is the broad bean patch and then the runner bean patch. That's me! Sticking my thumb up ha ha ha. You can see that the back part of the plot is a jungle, it might look very lush and green but don't let your eyes fool you its a mass of brambles, old raspberry plants, red currents and black currents and thickets of stubborn grass! The earth itself is in no way flat either its full of mounds of earth, you have to be careful not to twist your ankle when you walk over it!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1SPbMyPucb65YGsgahh6I7uKQ95bKZFmJY2WfnVpNUj8JL5smHu8wi0-x391vH3yCYnEVN3ZV8oUWuDKGEz89QXQvBXiJNPRPLcEd3iBi35GkkPNZ-8GCWFc4iKUMLxEAU-3iXhdGawk/s1600/runnerbeans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1SPbMyPucb65YGsgahh6I7uKQ95bKZFmJY2WfnVpNUj8JL5smHu8wi0-x391vH3yCYnEVN3ZV8oUWuDKGEz89QXQvBXiJNPRPLcEd3iBi35GkkPNZ-8GCWFc4iKUMLxEAU-3iXhdGawk/s320/runnerbeans.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Back to the front part of the plot, the part I could manage. The next job was to sow the runner bean seeds as I hadn't got any plants to transplant! Lucky for me the other plot owners are a generous lot and T gave me a few runner bean plants too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There was a sense of urgency now as time was ticking into the growing season and I had so many things left to do. Let alone dig over the remaining front part of the allotment. I ended up buying some strawberry plants which I planted. I haven't had any strawberries this year but I've pinned down a few runners and hopefully next season I will be blessed with lots of juicy ripe strawberries. I was also given quite a few sweetcorn plants too from another plot holder so they went in behind the runner beans. Next I needed to erect some tunnels which were covered with fine mesh for my brassica plants so they wouldn't be harmed by the white cabbage butterfly and other pest that love to devour a whole row of brassicas. Thanks again to T who showed me how it was done using plastic water hosing and the fine net you can buy in the shop. Two tunnels were made and one 'housed' my purple sprouting broccoli plants and the other a selection of other brassicas including, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and kale.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once the two tunnels had been erected it was a case of finding a space for all the other plants I had grown from seed, including parsnips and celeriac. The courgettes just slotted in nicely next to one of the mesh tunnels and the parsnips the other side. The celeriac kept my broad beans company and the winter squashes found a home in the middle of the runner bean plants and to the side of the carrots and onions which for some reason I had missed digging over.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once everything was planted it was a case of nurturing and keeping the weeds down and preparing myself for the harvest. In fact my next door neighbour on the plot</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> had joked and asked if I'd put an advert in the paper to help harvest. I thought she was kidding, but now I know she was quite serious! Once the fruit and veg start producing they continue to produce at some rate! If I don't go down at least twice a week then I end up paying when I do get down there. Some days I can spend three hours just harvesting! Yes you read that right three hours! The work doesn't end there either, I spend at least a day in the kitchen afterwards preparing and storing my harvest. Let the good times roll! This is what its all about! You cannot beat growing and eating your own fruit and vegetables. In fact I'm rather proud of myself! :o)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From this.........</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBMhnq6UY7kYV4bK0y_MT0l9OgxOSImAmf3uM3LIAjsfu4FGgU6DdA6bYUZRRExc0ffTzX4QnwHJtu3Du9Y62PoBin8ZzhUsX7JM28mqrggt1qv_e2VPP-mOnLBmusdwwpskYkGEF2VO0/s1600/From+this.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBMhnq6UY7kYV4bK0y_MT0l9OgxOSImAmf3uM3LIAjsfu4FGgU6DdA6bYUZRRExc0ffTzX4QnwHJtu3Du9Y62PoBin8ZzhUsX7JM28mqrggt1qv_e2VPP-mOnLBmusdwwpskYkGEF2VO0/s400/From+this.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To this..............</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That's my gorgeous and lovely Mum in the photo above, she has been a fantastic supporter and we've had some fantastic fun down on the allotment! Thank you Mum for all your help! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just to give you an insight into my harvested produce here is a few photographs to whet your appetite and get you interested</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> in growing your own. Some days I could quite easily open up a shop with the amount I harvest, thankfully I have a large chest freezer now which isn't far off bursting at the seams!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPD9GNVxwZqmffzTO5X06KhTXKKesE3oceaN9eU7IodHfKyZnAwi9Z5m_jQisZEeTAaDAhYe8frdY7gZI6O0P73NvdGP0eSum4QUpvyTFWEwl5ezYaTtsrl3B4Tiq4nEfSQIvYumz30Yo/s1600/Harvest1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPD9GNVxwZqmffzTO5X06KhTXKKesE3oceaN9eU7IodHfKyZnAwi9Z5m_jQisZEeTAaDAhYe8frdY7gZI6O0P73NvdGP0eSum4QUpvyTFWEwl5ezYaTtsrl3B4Tiq4nEfSQIvYumz30Yo/s400/Harvest1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Courgettes, potatoes, cabbage, rhubarb, runnerbeans, onions, shallots, broadbeans, French beans & kale</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSuIrJIoXIy-L3doBCIWURWZE9uPD6IKsgxw23-b-ROPAXFDP-g76MlFiVhsW1l4SQn4qvjXhq98x8SLY_bxbwQYdCMOGVnz35mmYG9PpitkEC_7ZYt9euFu5QxAGatGzmWX2uZSe7gaM/s1600/Harvest+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSuIrJIoXIy-L3doBCIWURWZE9uPD6IKsgxw23-b-ROPAXFDP-g76MlFiVhsW1l4SQn4qvjXhq98x8SLY_bxbwQYdCMOGVnz35mmYG9PpitkEC_7ZYt9euFu5QxAGatGzmWX2uZSe7gaM/s400/Harvest+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Potatoes, carrots, raspberries, courgettes, French beans, kale, rhubarb, runner beans</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS3fA9fiZZvI0ZagBfWVS4R3EzVGj9fXNyLpbQcv23L5-T_Rwmcn902vEePwh4TolYrHEmlg-vG18pVFwUoIEMhBvnmX0o4aoJFgI9SuKZ1i-UMJUet8mUW-su57oSfCgFU4PHcJpyJZ4/s1600/Harvest+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS3fA9fiZZvI0ZagBfWVS4R3EzVGj9fXNyLpbQcv23L5-T_Rwmcn902vEePwh4TolYrHEmlg-vG18pVFwUoIEMhBvnmX0o4aoJFgI9SuKZ1i-UMJUet8mUW-su57oSfCgFU4PHcJpyJZ4/s400/Harvest+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tomatoes, runnerbeans, onions, raspberries, apples, courgettes, mooli, potatoes</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There is still plenty to harvest too, I've only dug up half a row of potatoes, but I've chopped the tops of the remainder in case there is a blight attack. They won't grow any more but they will store quite well until about the end of October so I'm told. There are still plenty of bright red flowers on the runner beans and the courgettes seem to be multiplying by the second! There are lots and lots of winter squashes growing too so that should be another great harvest. My Autumn raspberries grow enormous fruit and I've never tasted a raspberry like it, so my daily smoothie is a taste of heaven. I can't wait until both apple trees are ready to be picked my freezer will be full of apple pies and my dehyrator will have to come out to make some apple crisps. Gardening is great fun and the fruit and vegetables that you grow will taste better than any shop bought produce. So what are you waiting for, get on out there and grow your own fruit and veg, it is well worth the effort! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Jasmine x</i></span><br />
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<br />Jasmine Trinityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06410942340169815790noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6158135559165111425.post-36896069683317868912015-08-28T13:06:00.000+01:002015-08-31T14:04:39.818+01:00A Day Out In Liverpool<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I hadn't been to Liverpool in over 20 years! I know I can hardly believe it myself. So when my friend and I were enjoying a meal out in Pizza Express a few weeks ago and Liverpool was suggested as a day out what else could I say but yes!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After researching vegan eateries and places to see I was amazed at how much Liverpool had to offer. My friend, H, a trusty Liverpool guide helped me choose what to see. I wanted an over view of all Liverpool was and still is, a bit of culture and of course some delicious vegan food. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">H suggested we start with the Museum of Liverpool, which was full of everything Liverpudlian! We headed straight to the second floor and had a mooch around the "Wonderous Place" exhibition. As you probably already know Liverpool has 'made' some very talented people; writers such as Jimmy McGovern who created the TV series "Cracker" and of course Phil Redmond who </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24.4799995422363px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">created Grange Hill, Brookside and Hollyoaks! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then there are the musicians and there are way too many to mention, everyone will know one of them for sure! Liverpool comedians are plentiful too and of course the sports personalities! There was plenty to see and do including a karaoke booth for you to use, and before you ask no I didn't! I was tempted but as I am completely tone deaf I though better of it!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On the other side of the museum on the 2nd floor was 'The People's Republic Gallery' which is all about the experience of living in the city. A fascinating exhibition that deserved more time than we gave it, but we had so much else to see and do! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Everywhere you looked old and new buildings stood next to each other and some of the architecture was fascinating, even if it wasn't my cup of tea.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There is so many places to see in and around the Albert docks you could spend a whole weekend here, I never got to visit the Tate Gallery but that's on my list for next time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After a whistle stop tour of floor 2 of the Liverpool museum, I was ravenous and lets be honest my thoughts aren't ever too far away from food. Thankfully there were lots of options for vegans but there was only one place that we were heading to - Wagamamas.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I found out that Wagamams caters for vegan after a trip to Birmingham and it was absolutely delicious so everywhere I go I always find out if there is one near by.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was that hungry and focused on food that I suddenly remembered that I hadn't taken a photograph of our starter to share. There was just one yasai steamed gyoza (vegetable dumpling) left so I took a quick snap before diving in. For my main dish I chose the yasai itame, a delicious dish of rice noodles in a spicy green, coconut and lemongrass soup, topped with vegetables and tofu. We also shared a side order of wok greens and the garlic in this dish is heavenly. Once again though my stomach overruled and I forgot to take a photograph.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bellys full we were off on an adventure, during my online research I had come across a vegan supermarket just outside Liverpool which was a 20 minute bus ride. There was no way I wasn't going to visit. Thankfully H obliged my wish to visit and after catching a bus and following our whereabouts on google maps on my phone so we knew where to get off we arrived!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I loved this place! It was a vegan heaven, the photographs do not do it justice!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgND-O0gl1rwelty2h56SeQVWgFLC2N-T5s-HoibhnZtf_P_mAqDznY7c7-gOQRjukghTa1atS68WEodNJcOH9xShi6BSJ5M-fA7oOw1eSKLJikB9Xy-QEyGTEYSqGzl52rLtYh0tahoyQ/s1600/Confectionary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgND-O0gl1rwelty2h56SeQVWgFLC2N-T5s-HoibhnZtf_P_mAqDznY7c7-gOQRjukghTa1atS68WEodNJcOH9xShi6BSJ5M-fA7oOw1eSKLJikB9Xy-QEyGTEYSqGzl52rLtYh0tahoyQ/s400/Confectionary.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When you first walk in to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/purplecarrotliverpool" target="_blank">the Purple Carrot </a>you are greeted with a beautiful confectionery stand full of vegan goodies, I couldn't resist I bought 3 Vego bars, one for H for putting up with my vegan adventures, 1 for my gardening angel and of course 1 for me. I also bought a slab of white chocolate and 3 packets of Ten Acre Crisps, the story of when cheese met the onion. The best crisps ever! I wished I had bought more now!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFzx4kEUuNjHjaV2y0hkKCYGQ04Bx6Y3ahPdIlovGTELzFCB81H6fipWZ9diReaft0naOEJmfHQBre49vEXBrCwH7901PLjq9H9mAFyxkFFhUXW0VfNjuRzxaoZPlEp30SSZOvdIK5n-w/s1600/Inside+PC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFzx4kEUuNjHjaV2y0hkKCYGQ04Bx6Y3ahPdIlovGTELzFCB81H6fipWZ9diReaft0naOEJmfHQBre49vEXBrCwH7901PLjq9H9mAFyxkFFhUXW0VfNjuRzxaoZPlEp30SSZOvdIK5n-w/s400/Inside+PC.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The shop also sold a wide range of other groceries and I loved the little tea section in the corner, <a href="http://teaandsympatico.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Caroline from Tea and Sympatico</a> would love this! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRHR2h8ZpGVz6Bo-q0qGNgbf2NfaBeZ-2-7iApL8Rz_F3O2UNUz1x7YOjbr0sozFnzsy5mptuXLjkDnI3GTxwNE4hQkaADCD813tPe0GaoH3j2TdWHS3xGXtUUwW1kTIpL3vY8oFvpJwk/s1600/Suma.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRHR2h8ZpGVz6Bo-q0qGNgbf2NfaBeZ-2-7iApL8Rz_F3O2UNUz1x7YOjbr0sozFnzsy5mptuXLjkDnI3GTxwNE4hQkaADCD813tPe0GaoH3j2TdWHS3xGXtUUwW1kTIpL3vY8oFvpJwk/s400/Suma.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was also great to see that the shop was packed with <a href="http://www.suma.coop/" target="_blank">Suma Wholefoods</a> goods too and everything was reasonably priced. If you live near Liverpool you really should pop in and see what it has to offer. If you don't live near then a day out to Liverpool is in order and you can easily squeeze a quick visit to the Purple Carrot into your day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next to the confectionery stand was the fridges and I nearly screamed with excitement at the vegan cheese range they had and I treated myself to a large pack of violife melty pizza cheese, violife cheese slices and two packs of no moo melty cheese! My fascination with vegan cheese goes on, hopefully my purchases will keep me occupied in the kitchen cooking up a vegan cheese storm. No visit to a vegan supermarket can go without purchasing my beloved nooch too, so two tins were purchased and I left a very happy bunny.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo2u57GauNSav0VMQF1pGoWtfv0LLRr_qJzvgGJhklC76-OrEX8XsAZPNzTzmPl63qrhUEe7K1d3FMDsnbJXbkXcJ-lC6tgmWNZu_3TBohHyHznKub4r4nFzlXGoAe16CiVjj8DBvE1Bk/s1600/Cavern2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo2u57GauNSav0VMQF1pGoWtfv0LLRr_qJzvgGJhklC76-OrEX8XsAZPNzTzmPl63qrhUEe7K1d3FMDsnbJXbkXcJ-lC6tgmWNZu_3TBohHyHznKub4r4nFzlXGoAe16CiVjj8DBvE1Bk/s320/Cavern2.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After a bus ride back into the city we walked towards the Beatles old hunting grounds, I'm not quite sure what I expected but it wasn't what I found. We didn't go into the cavern but we did venture into the pub across the road, and turned round and walked back out, we tried. It was ram packed with people and was very hot, very hot indeed! It was a sweat fest ha ha ha! We had a quick mooch around the area and decided to move on.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We needed peace and quiet after walking into the noisy and hot sweat fest, so we decided to make our way to the Walker Art Gallery and made our way to the beautiful Pre-Raphaelite paintings. I love this era and I am fascinated with the work of Dante Gabriel Rossetti. Time went by so fast and it wasn't long before we were told only 10 minutes before closing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After leaving the Walker Art Gallery we headed back to the station for our journey home after stopping off for a well deserved drink.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All in all a fabulous day out and one which I will look forward to repeating again soon.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Jasmine x</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Jasmine Trinityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06410942340169815790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6158135559165111425.post-21122249249332352672015-08-25T22:00:00.000+01:002015-08-28T10:16:13.552+01:00Suma Bloggers Network - Chocolate Mousse<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPyZ2Tscg9SgwT5VxiuJWlivb_bAwJ1Hntz2IeJRZiGeFpzJ8DvIM7KTV95qP_zwNTTQY8ruNH9k_UyHQuo5Ab2TDaH-LeFiAYEW8JVcBXtIvqlUWqJNL2xU9rZ6wH3G5wLJTeeZQOQBw/s1600/Choc+Mousse1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPyZ2Tscg9SgwT5VxiuJWlivb_bAwJ1Hntz2IeJRZiGeFpzJ8DvIM7KTV95qP_zwNTTQY8ruNH9k_UyHQuo5Ab2TDaH-LeFiAYEW8JVcBXtIvqlUWqJNL2xU9rZ6wH3G5wLJTeeZQOQBw/s320/Choc+Mousse1.jpg" width="208" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chocolate Mousse - Quinoa Style</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hi there! Long time no post! I can't believe over two months has passed since I last wrote and published a post, how time flies!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've been spending a lot of time down my allotment, which needed a hell of a lot of work doing to it. All my hard work has paid off though and I've been busy harvesting and preserving my produce. Thank golly I have a chest freezer now! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love spending time working on my allotment and its where you'll usually find me every weekend. Its like an oasis of calm especially after a mad week at work. Marco loves it too and is spoilt rotten by everyone down there. There is still much to do and I'll write a post soon with an update and some before and after photos so you can see why I've been busy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anyway time for this posts recipe! And its another Suma post and I decided to do another sweet dish rather than savoury just to steer me away from 'cheese' again! :o)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've been experimenting with quinoa recently and I must admit I'm loving it, it really is such a versatile seed. I've been doing a little research too, and I've found out that it is a seed rather than a grain as I first thought and it is the seed of the goosefoot plant.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is reported to have a number of health benefits too including anti-inflammatory properties. Quinoa is also a complete protein source containing all essential amino acids. This wonder seed is also a good source of folate and zinc. So you can see why I've been experimenting with it? I've used it in savoury dishes and used it instead of rice for chilli's etc, see my <a href="http://selfsufficientcafe.blogspot.co.uk/2015/02/winter-wellness-part-3.html" target="_blank">Winter Wellness Chilli Goodness Recipe</a> and yes I've even used it in a 'cheese sauce' recipe! However, I've also attempted to use it in sweet dishes too as in this recipe. The result is good! To jazz it up a little I used a few raspberries from the allotment and the new flavour choc shot which is orange and cardamon. If you've not tried it yet then you should its amazing.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Chocolate Mousse - Quinoa Style </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW-kL8zbKKot8AyRPVM6gjFrd9o93OYg8GXicKm0Nu-FAl4pZaP3J0Tk5mSRWV2v72aN3DquyTnSs43z41HXbtVcJxsLzBDEmbU3iJGbm80DmtmRgu0yxT2TL8V3d_j2biBPTK9f5y9us/s1600/Choc+Mousse1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW-kL8zbKKot8AyRPVM6gjFrd9o93OYg8GXicKm0Nu-FAl4pZaP3J0Tk5mSRWV2v72aN3DquyTnSs43z41HXbtVcJxsLzBDEmbU3iJGbm80DmtmRgu0yxT2TL8V3d_j2biBPTK9f5y9us/s200/Choc+Mousse1.jpg" width="130" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Ingredients </b>(Serves 4-6)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">75g Red Quinoa</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">250ml Boiling water</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">200ml Almond milk</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">100g Fresh raspberries</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">40g Pitted dates</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">40g Cocoa powder</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 Tbsp Date syrup</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 Tbsp Choc shot (I used orange flavour)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Method</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">First add the quinoa and the boiling water to a saucepan and simmer for 15 minutes.Drain and leave to cool.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While the quinoa is cooking add the pitted dates to the almond milk to soak.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once the quinoa has cooled add to your blender along with all the other ingredients. Blend until the mixture is smooth and mousse like.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Transfer the mixture to glasses and refrigerate, the mixture will stiffen slightly.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnJCe5ceIKMj9otYG3j5UXRbN3PWHqF64uQLlbdVEFZInxY55y1qvGxTW0doe5u5jbv178sCIY810D83KAuH8-coKZ0Y0swhF8AqAK43N66CTNTnY2CKD_XgPouicnjKmeUVq0XMqEsEA/s1600/Choc+Mousse2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnJCe5ceIKMj9otYG3j5UXRbN3PWHqF64uQLlbdVEFZInxY55y1qvGxTW0doe5u5jbv178sCIY810D83KAuH8-coKZ0Y0swhF8AqAK43N66CTNTnY2CKD_XgPouicnjKmeUVq0XMqEsEA/s320/Choc+Mousse2.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Enjoy :o)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jasmine x</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Jasmine Trinityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06410942340169815790noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6158135559165111425.post-64652724977725833612015-06-19T10:30:00.000+01:002015-06-19T10:30:01.182+01:00Summer Pasta Salad with Sun-dried Tomato Dressing<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fancy something different for lunch? As I mentioned a few posts ago summer to me means salads and whilst I love fresh garden salads any day of the week sometimes I crave a more hearty salad. In this salad recipe I use little past shapes to increase the carbohydrates but its still light enough to enjoy on its own.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The soft pasta, pairs well with the crunch of the red pepper and the tangy dressing. To make it a little different I've used chives, both stalks and flowers, the flowers are so pretty and taste amazing too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Ingredients - Serves 3-4</b></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyoE7vEZLDcS9bXKOhx-4NtX8LYS1CFKIgBe0ROQ5ZKhwhggSBb1UEEdOkvFYMTgLSGYiKOhRj4h7HA9W4s4N-mG8wVdzNvF6_7qNekBWs9rLJAwFAR2P2_XgUhGeTu2avIYjSAvTihyphenhyphen8/s1600/Salad-P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyoE7vEZLDcS9bXKOhx-4NtX8LYS1CFKIgBe0ROQ5ZKhwhggSBb1UEEdOkvFYMTgLSGYiKOhRj4h7HA9W4s4N-mG8wVdzNvF6_7qNekBWs9rLJAwFAR2P2_XgUhGeTu2avIYjSAvTihyphenhyphen8/s320/Salad-P.jpg" width="180" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">200g pasta, small shapes work well* </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">½ Red pepper, finely diced</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">16 Basil leaves, shredded</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">16 Chive stems, finely cut</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3 Chive flower heads, optional</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Dressing</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 Tsp Sun-dried tomato paste</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 Tbsp Red wine vinegar</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 Clove of garlic, chopped</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Salt & Pepper</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*If you can't find the little pasta shapes, orzo (like a large grain of rice) works well too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Method</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cook the pasta as per cooking instructions, drain and rinse in cold water. While the pasta is cooking, prepare your other ingredients.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To make the dressing add all ingredients to a food processor and process until you have a smooth dressing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Add the herbs and red pepper to a bowl and add the cooked and cooled pasta, toss everything together.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pour over the dressing and stir to combine. Serve straight away.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Jasmine Trinityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06410942340169815790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6158135559165111425.post-66365068004977800302015-06-18T13:34:00.000+01:002015-06-18T13:34:48.547+01:00Home-made Houmous<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The other day I posted a recipe for super easy oven baked falafels, and what goes hand in hand with falafels? Houmous of course! Now if you've made your own falafels you really should pair it with home made houmous, don't you agree?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since transferring to a vegan lifestyle houmous has become my new 'cheese', not a week goes by without me devouring some houmous. This recipe makes your basic, standard houmous, but its far from boring! But if you want to jazz it up just add extra ingredients. If you want a little spice in your houmous just add some pri piri sauce, or you could add roasted red pepper, sun-dried tomatoes or caramelised</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> onions</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. Whatever takes your fancy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Ingredients - Serves 3-4</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj92HnC5lRTvJQWwc7aYKOaNQYMAuNGfk7lHz5M0z8CxoDTX7lfikn_Uow24aRqXRHng_2TzS0p5jmACJbvbPygULxXRl0OV3WmYQsJj6INMqzuwZ0FaKNpHTeTmumHm_3o02XRzfLCr2M/s1600/Lunch1-P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj92HnC5lRTvJQWwc7aYKOaNQYMAuNGfk7lHz5M0z8CxoDTX7lfikn_Uow24aRqXRHng_2TzS0p5jmACJbvbPygULxXRl0OV3WmYQsJj6INMqzuwZ0FaKNpHTeTmumHm_3o02XRzfLCr2M/s320/Lunch1-P.jpg" width="180" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 Small tin of chickpeas, drained weight 230g </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 Clove of garlic, diced</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 Tbsp Lemon juice</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">½ Tbsp Olive oil</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">½ Tsp Ground cumin</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Salt & Pepper</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3 Tbsp water</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Method</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wash the chick peas well and pat dry. I always remove their skins to make a smoother houmous but if you don't mind a little bit of texture or if you have a super duper food processor you can skip this part.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Add the chickpeas to the food processor followed by the remaining ingredients bar the water.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Process adding a little water at a time until you have reached your desired consistency.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Enjoy dolloped on crusty bread, or with carrot sticks or paired with your home made falafels in a pitta bread with salad.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Jasmine Trinityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06410942340169815790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6158135559165111425.post-24395329649139406642015-06-15T20:22:00.000+01:002015-06-15T20:22:19.084+01:00Oven Baked Falafel<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The months of summer are what we've all been waiting for after a dark and bitterly cold winter, spring has given us hope of warmer weather and finally the sun has come out! We need to celebrate, after all, the sun may not stay out for too long, it seems rather shy at the moment.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To me summer means salads, picnics, long walks over the fields and through the woods, strawberries and other fresh fruits and the lighter nights allow us to go wild and enjoy the fresh air for just that little longer. I mean who likes going to bed when its still light outside - not me! Summer is inviting family and friends around and enjoying each others company, eating great food and drinking sparkling drinks. Get out the bunting and start enjoying those summer garden parties.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I don't know about you but a picnic or garden party is just not the same without falafels. I know shop bought falafels are easy to purchase and some of them are pretty darn tasty but you really cant beat making your own can you? If you've got a food processor then you have no excuse, these can be made in a matter of minutes. The recipe is super easy, just throw your ingredients into a food processor, roll the mixture into balls and pop in the oven.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Ingredients - makes 10 falafels</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRaqYq8CLTN43R6hM4_yp8DR39i825qZ8CoFHimCm4ROncpkkLI_F6Ti8aPMza7X1jM4A3OUCvqDzLUu8g13v4uRaii08_Wz5clLx1M0LpcDzN2bZ_9n-4cjMPhIOPp8odhE2PgggqvTA/s1600/Falafel+pile-P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRaqYq8CLTN43R6hM4_yp8DR39i825qZ8CoFHimCm4ROncpkkLI_F6Ti8aPMza7X1jM4A3OUCvqDzLUu8g13v4uRaii08_Wz5clLx1M0LpcDzN2bZ_9n-4cjMPhIOPp8odhE2PgggqvTA/s320/Falafel+pile-P.jpg" width="180" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 Tin of chickpeas, drained, washed <br />and picked over and patted dry </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">½ Onion, chopped</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3 Cloves of garlic</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 Tsp Ground cumin</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 Tsp Ground corriander</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">¼ Tsp Chilli powder</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Salt & Pepper</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 Tbsp Parsley, chopped</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 Tbsp Olive oil</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Method</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Place the first seven ingredients into a food processor and process until the mixture is coarse and it starts to stick together.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Turn the mixture into a bowl and add the chopped parsley. Stir to combine fully.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Add the tablespoon of olive oil and mix again.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Take a small amount of the mixture about a tablespoon and roll into balls in your hands. The mixture should easily come together.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Place each ball onto an oven proof tray and cook in a moderate oven for ten minutes. Turn each ball over and cook for another 5-10 minutes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Enjoy on their own, with a salad or pop into a pitta.</span><br />
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<br />Jasmine Trinityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06410942340169815790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6158135559165111425.post-1378720972187572672015-06-14T20:05:00.000+01:002015-06-14T20:48:48.042+01:00Quick & Easy Sausage Casserole<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I really don't know what's happening with this weather! We finally managed to get a week of the sun coming out albeit still a little cold. So, I started wearing my summer wardrobe and went bare legged for the first time this year, and yes on some days I wish I hadn't I was freezing. But I figured we're in June and soon the longest day will be upon us and I thought the dresses need to come out of the closet sometime! But wait Saturday was so darn miserable, it rained constantly all day and the temperature dropped I don't think I've ever been this cold in June. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I needed some comfort food, and I needed it to be quick and easy as I had a lot on. So I gave myself 40 minutes to come up with something comforting and healthy. This recipe worked a treat, packed full of veggies and it really can be on the table in under 40 minutes and that's including all the prep. Yay!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Ingredients - Serves 4 people</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVm2T7cCJpj39QEExj8A56M6ssLFpo0rpHUMmlhDRNOKFZQSXJ6_Xs_0YP-NAIaT_pYjHCP5yXU0CBKwSk6BS3__TI6uy8eyGIvXWhjGokCJkp7Vo-Fwm8C6BWIiXGGjEOIk3Zidm7AJU/s1600/Lunch-P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVm2T7cCJpj39QEExj8A56M6ssLFpo0rpHUMmlhDRNOKFZQSXJ6_Xs_0YP-NAIaT_pYjHCP5yXU0CBKwSk6BS3__TI6uy8eyGIvXWhjGokCJkp7Vo-Fwm8C6BWIiXGGjEOIk3Zidm7AJU/s320/Lunch-P.jpg" width="180" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6 Vegan sausages ( I used Linda McCartney sausages) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 Tbsp Olive oil</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 Onion, diced</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 Sticks celery, diced</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">100g Broccoli, cut into small florets</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">½ Red pepper, cut into strips</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">½ Yellow pepper, cut into strips</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3 Cloves of garlic, minced</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 Sprigs rosemary, finely cut</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4 Sprigs thyme, stalks removed</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 Tsp Balsamic vinegar</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">150g Mushrooms, diced</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 Tsp Smoked paprika</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 Tbsp Flour</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 Tin chopped tomatoes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">500ml Vegetable stock</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Method</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Turn on your oven to a medium temperature.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Prepare all your vegetables.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Place the vegan sausages in an oven proof dish and place in the oven, while you cook your vegetables, around 20 minutes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Add the olive oil to a large saucepan and heat before adding the onion and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes or until the onion is translucent.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Add the broccoli and sauté for another two minute, stirring all the time. Add the peppers and sauté for another 3 minutes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Add the garlic, rosemary and thyme and stir to combine, then add the balsamic vinegar. Continue to sauté the vegetables and herbs for another minute stirring all the time.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Add the chopped mushrooms and continue to sauté for another 5 minutes or until the mushrooms have released their liquid into the vegetable mix.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Add the smoked paprika and stir to combine. Add the flour and stir to combine, the mixture will become quite stiff as the flour soaks up whatever vegetable juices are in the pan. Sauté for 1 more minute to cook out the flour.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Add the chopped tomatoes and stir through, the mixture will still be very thick. Add the vegetable stock a little at a time, stirring all the time and bring the mixture up to a boil. The mixture will now be a lot thinner.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Remove the sausages from the oven and cut each sausage in half. Add the halved sausages to the pan and reduce the heat so the mixture is simmering.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cook for a further 10 minutes to thicken the sauce before serving.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Serve in bowls with a garnish of chopped chives for a warm and comforting klunch or serve with mash potato and more vegetables for a hearty dinner.</span><br />
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Jasmine Trinityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06410942340169815790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6158135559165111425.post-77347731893881476412015-06-02T11:00:00.000+01:002015-06-02T11:00:05.088+01:00Notice Board - Geo Bars Review<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's another review! Sometimes in life you are rewarded and it feels great! The reviews that I am undertaking at the moment are just that, rewards and tasty rewards at that! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These bars are very tasty and completely different to anything else I have tried before. The two new fruity bars; Cocoa & Beetroot and Carrot & Stem Ginger and the 2 new trail bars; Cocoa Crunch and Banana & Walnut were launched in January 2015. You may have already tried their original cereal bars but the 2 new fruity bars are different, they are raw fruit wholefood bars. Each bar is packed with fair trade fruit and nuts and tastes unique. The carrot and stem ginger are zingy and leave your tastebuds dancing and the cocoa and beetroot are comforting and extremely moreish! You've been warned. Both Fruity bars count as 1 of your 5 a day or if you're like me 1 of my 7-10 a day!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ3QELInfuNguXa9xxboxnTat9XV5yNSnaqkEUreAIAbC-PxSJt6wbG0L9pk28-pjHufjEdh8zmQy7_fvQjn-WLFuZ7Irq4f_wLMrWRkK3Vd59Mu-tfNVD4mZXM1af3vnPDaXSj4RDGwg/s1600/Geo+Bars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ3QELInfuNguXa9xxboxnTat9XV5yNSnaqkEUreAIAbC-PxSJt6wbG0L9pk28-pjHufjEdh8zmQy7_fvQjn-WLFuZ7Irq4f_wLMrWRkK3Vd59Mu-tfNVD4mZXM1af3vnPDaXSj4RDGwg/s400/Geo+Bars.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Geobar Trail Cocoa crunch is also extremely moreish, it is also a raw bar and contains 67% fruit (fairtrade dates and raisins), cocoa and soya crispies providing 7g of protein per bar. The Geobar Trail Banana & Walnut is a raw bar and contains 70% fruit (fairtrade dates, raisins and bananas), walnuts and soya crispies. These bars provide 5g protein per bar. Either trail bar would be a great addition to a lunch box as to would the fruity bars. As the bars are raw they have got a fairly short shelf life, but I don't think they would last that long once you've tasted them!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've seen the cereal bars in some of the supermarket but I'm yet to see the new raw and fruity bars and the trail bars in supermarkets near me. However you can purchase them online from the <a href="http://www.traidcraftshop.co.uk/c-31-traidcraft-geobar.aspx" target="_blank">Traidcraft website</a>.</span><br />
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<br />Jasmine Trinityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06410942340169815790noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6158135559165111425.post-56157797448939663992015-05-28T11:00:00.000+01:002015-05-28T11:00:01.037+01:00Notice Board - Bounce Review<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was delighted when Chantal asked if I wanted to review the vegan Bounce energy balls as part of the <a href="https://veganlifestyleassoc.com/" target="_blank">vegan lifestyle association</a>. I already knew I liked the Spirulina Bounce (the green one) but I was blown away by the Cashew and Pecan Bounce (the red one).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In total there are 7 varieties but unfortunately only 2 are vegan, obviously I haven't tried the 5 non vegan energy balls but the two I have tried are utterly delicious!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2_r8otK3SQi7Cw4440fRGwQz8hsrB1zjfuJZgIPkJvbzroMzZW6NK76WthvGvYQwjgDLJQeUKID1wsmcjVC4MfXORjXTk-rmEQaiEwwLwryQXcEViAm8CvOGP93OPM0blTUEYiliHWSE/s1600/Green.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2_r8otK3SQi7Cw4440fRGwQz8hsrB1zjfuJZgIPkJvbzroMzZW6NK76WthvGvYQwjgDLJQeUKID1wsmcjVC4MfXORjXTk-rmEQaiEwwLwryQXcEViAm8CvOGP93OPM0blTUEYiliHWSE/s320/Green.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">According to their website the Spirulina and Ginseng energy bar was designed to give you a lift at any time of the day. "It's a delicious, chewy mix of almonds, oats and sesame seeds, combined with the superfoods, spirulina and ginseng". You can really taste the almonds, a comforting marzipan roundness paired with the nutritious spirulina is a match made in heaven. These energy balls will definitely satisfy your hunger craving. They are high in Vitamin B12 and fibre and the calorie total? 191 calories, which sounds a lot but you will not be hungry after this energy ball!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPs66hlLcATljOvte1u9mUg32k-sChZDXeh6Flv5Lr8f8wtloCHi5xvQUsX6teBGOHZZFDkUJl9cBAaYFcrhxYKddEZwp-6s4ivLeF7znrsP0-4g-ppzS0RTChze33XrKAYJDEEpVYUlI/s1600/Red.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPs66hlLcATljOvte1u9mUg32k-sChZDXeh6Flv5Lr8f8wtloCHi5xvQUsX6teBGOHZZFDkUJl9cBAaYFcrhxYKddEZwp-6s4ivLeF7znrsP0-4g-ppzS0RTChze33XrKAYJDEEpVYUlI/s320/Red.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This energy ball is my new favourite, which I didn't think was possible as I loved the Spirulina & Ginseng energy ball. These will also satisfy your hunger craving and are high in vitamin E and fibre and the calorie total? 195 calories. Both energy balls are also gluten free.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you haven't tried them then you must treat yourself as they are fabulous. You can purchase them from Holland and Barrett, Waitrose, Tesco Extra and Boots to name a few. Or if you want to buy a full box head over their <a href="https://www.bouncefoods.com/uk/index.php" target="_blank">website </a>and there is a special offer on at the moment. If you buy 1 pack of the Cashew and Pecan energy balls (12 in a pack) you get another pack free! So that's 24 energy balls for £19.45, about 81p each! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Jasmine Trinityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06410942340169815790noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6158135559165111425.post-85365518574038501202015-05-26T16:02:00.001+01:002015-05-26T16:02:39.966+01:00Spring into Action - Part 2 - Meditteranean Chickpea Spread<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAixC0kk8Ccxxq-FDg71BLwTJ5nRjPcXFUQzhQrxygqINMIaReGGsG3aAA81nOWs_qEH0k75Qu4wqi5AcZVNto43S5AMN36IPbGW9rtEtWnKygmykxg2gEmSQtYiTR8SeWH_9CJypVq4o/s1600/Filling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAixC0kk8Ccxxq-FDg71BLwTJ5nRjPcXFUQzhQrxygqINMIaReGGsG3aAA81nOWs_qEH0k75Qu4wqi5AcZVNto43S5AMN36IPbGW9rtEtWnKygmykxg2gEmSQtYiTR8SeWH_9CJypVq4o/s320/Filling.jpg" width="212" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I don't know about you but I'm getting pretty fed up with this weather. Were almost in June and I'm not feeling the Summer at all. Where I live in the Midlands its either raining or cold (I've even put the heating on at night!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I thought if Summer isn't coming to me I'll go to Summer and I set to in my kitchen to make a summery sandwich spread. Before I transferred to a vegan lifestyle I used to love the Mediterranean Cheese Sandwiches I could buy at work. You can't get more summery than the Mediterranean can you so I thought I would try a vegan version. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was very impressed with this spread and I'll even go as far as saying that it beat the </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mediterranean Cheese Sandwiches</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> from work - hands down! These are far more healthy too even if they do use a little vegan mayonnaise. The spread can be made in minutes and it will easily feed 4 hungry people in some form of sandwich.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXhuEjXq2OgDPcQA4CtRmENM1WNNOe5Y0MRoqzJUIWlevPSpCGuHlJaNgq31RA5YG8-rN4VPCNyW3ojMbdJklxJya3GwSZQIbzKg0k73W9MXbDU_SVBKwrwHcmTuAXs2o2ueqL_PMHY4c/s1600/Sandwich+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXhuEjXq2OgDPcQA4CtRmENM1WNNOe5Y0MRoqzJUIWlevPSpCGuHlJaNgq31RA5YG8-rN4VPCNyW3ojMbdJklxJya3GwSZQIbzKg0k73W9MXbDU_SVBKwrwHcmTuAXs2o2ueqL_PMHY4c/s320/Sandwich+2.jpg" width="212" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Ingredients</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I Tin of chickpeas</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">½ Red pepper, finely diced</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 Stick celery</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, finely diced</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4 Spring onions</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, finely diced</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">15g Nutritional yeast</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Salt & Pepper</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 Tbsp vegan mayonnaise</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Method</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rinse the chick peas well with cold water and pat dry. Transfer to a bowl and mash with a fork.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Add the red pepper, celery, spring onions and nutritional yeast and mix until well combined.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Add the salt and pepper to taste. Finally add the mayonnaise and fold through the mixture.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Use the mixture to spread onto bread to make sandwiches or spread onto flour tortillas to make wraps.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You can add more vegetables if you like and the spread would go further but I liked the ratio above, just enough to taste the summer!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jasmine x</span>Jasmine Trinityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06410942340169815790noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6158135559165111425.post-33632551179218985582015-05-18T13:00:00.000+01:002015-05-18T13:00:01.251+01:00Rhubarb Syllabub<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1DycyWG0CF6p_0fpeeCjIDvvAKMikOJYm8APTiM5CpdOGUzaV73PEtPAhg_uJgoMZjgcuK1DClu4X-mqhUx8JY2xdSC_CexENuHgnh6T13B0z6y78Wfuh6wJjmVJmzpQF9mjTfwv30Pk/s1600/Rhubarb3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1DycyWG0CF6p_0fpeeCjIDvvAKMikOJYm8APTiM5CpdOGUzaV73PEtPAhg_uJgoMZjgcuK1DClu4X-mqhUx8JY2xdSC_CexENuHgnh6T13B0z6y78Wfuh6wJjmVJmzpQF9mjTfwv30Pk/s400/Rhubarb3.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I promised you a rhubarb recipe and here it is; Rhubarb Syllabub, well, my take on it anyhow. This is not a heavy creamed dessert, although you could eat it for dessert but more of a fruity breakfast. It's also perfect for people on the go as it is easily packaged up to take with you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've always roasted my rhubarb rather than stewing it as it always tends to hold its shape a little better. The rhubarb I have grown isn't that tart so my dish didn't need much sugar, but feel free to add more if you feel it is necessary.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Have you tried the Alpro Soya yoghurt with almonds yet? Oh my, it is absolutely delicious, and it is the perfect yoghurt to use for this dish.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Ingredients - Serves 1</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">100g Alpro plain yoghurt with almonds</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6 Tbsp Stewed rhubarb (see recipe below)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3 Tbsp <a href="http://selfsufficientcafe.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/homemade-vegan-muesli.html" target="_blank">Homemade muesli</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Method</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mix the yoghurt with 3 Tbsp of the stewed rhubarb and place half of the mixture in a glass.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sprinkle over the homemade muesli and top with the remaining yoghurt and rhubarb mixture.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Add the rest of the rhubarb to the top and enjoy. Delicious even if I do say so myself! I've been enjoying this for breakfast for the last 2 weeks and I haven't tired of it yet!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Stewed Rhubarb - 5 portions </b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRgaxX5oHfV0AM6ZK3EoSxTXVSrQgqU4oEnK19fr0TnB6HsP4TnBN6U0hjI4Z4CaUemndSG9yB34Wf5pPSVBGdug4uYx6cAWeNp9bMPTrbz32jIjX92NAVL650UhNp_RVAUltzplcCtYI/s1600/Rhubarb1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRgaxX5oHfV0AM6ZK3EoSxTXVSrQgqU4oEnK19fr0TnB6HsP4TnBN6U0hjI4Z4CaUemndSG9yB34Wf5pPSVBGdug4uYx6cAWeNp9bMPTrbz32jIjX92NAVL650UhNp_RVAUltzplcCtYI/s320/Rhubarb1.jpg" width="212" /></a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Ingredients</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">450g-475g Rhubarb, washed and patted dry</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 Ruby grapefruit, juice only</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">7g-10g Ginger, grated</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 Tbsp Sugar, or more if you so wish</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Method</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cut the rhubarb into 3cm pieces and toss into an oven proof dish.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Add the grated ginger to the grapefruit juice and stir. Pour over the rhubarb.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sprinkle over the sugar and roast in a moderate oven for 20-30 minutes or until the rhubarb is cooked but still holding its shape.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Leave to cool, and store in the fridge ready for your breakfast for the week ahead.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jasmine x</span>Jasmine Trinityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06410942340169815790noreply@blogger.com0