A healthy start… berry and mint smoothies

2015 is here, Happy New Year to you all! Christmas was a fairly quiet affair for us, but still filled with spoils and indulgence. I am always a little sad as the Christmas tree is dismantled and the last scraps of gammon are enjoyed, but also excited to find out what the year ahead has in store. 2015 already has a good feeling about it, don’t you think? For many of us a new year symbolises a fresh start, resolutions and, when it comes to food, an opportunity to get our diets back on track! Sound familiar?
 
On the subject of diets, I have always taken the view that balance is key and have not set myself any lofty eating goals. I also know that I would be kidding myself if I thought I could give up my chocolate! This is a great recipe that I whipped up recently, and is perfect if you are looking for a simple recipe to give you a boost as you ease out of holiday mode and head into the new year. Sharp berries, creamy yoghurt and fresh mint combine in a delicious and filling smoothie for the whole family.

BERRY AND MINT SMOOTHIES

  • Servings: 2 (Makes 400ml)
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  • 200g mixed frozen berries
  • 125ml (½ cup) vanilla or plain yoghurt
  • 50g banana, sliced
  • 5 fresh mint leaves, washed
  • 2 tsp honey
Place all the ingredients in a blender and whizz together until combined and smooth. Taste and add extra honey if you prefer a sweeter smoothie. Serve immediately.


Cheese and rosemary stars

 
As we hurtle towards Christmas I am once again left wondering where the time has gone! I always love spending time in my kitchen at this time of the year – preparing food for friends or edible gifts for the family. This time last year I was preparing to host a big family Christmas feast, but this year will be a lot more low-key.

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Oat and raisin cookies

Things are seriously slowing down here at Cupcakes and Couscous HQ as we prepare to welcome our newest little cupcake to the family! And I think we are as ready as we will ever be – after a frantic last minute dash the nursery has been prepared, the baby clothes have been washed and sorted and my hospital bag is ready and waiting. Those who know me well will tell you that baking is one of my favourite things to do, and so while we count down the last few days until d-day I have managed fit in some baking time… and another recipe for you, hooray!

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Mielie bread with sun dried tomatoes (with video)

 

Today’s recipe is going against the current trend somewhat. It seems that every other restaurant I visit has a new banting section on their menu, or is advertising dishes that would make Tim Noakes proud. While I applaud anyone making an effort to eat less sugar and more cauliflower (if you can get your hands on one that is!) I for one will not be cutting out my grains anytime soon. And I am sure that there are many readers out there who feel the same.

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Lemon curd swirl ice cream

So before you think I have lost the plot let me confirm a few things. Yes, I know it is winter in the Southern Hemisphere. Yes, it is true – I am currently sitting at my desk, typing this recipe while the rain lashes my window and my fingertips begin to feel more and more numb. (In fairness it was 25 degrees two days ago, Cape Town – you tease!) But yes – I have still chosen to post this recipe that I created recently. On a cold day. In this here winter season. And that is simply because ice cream is fantastically fabulous and should, I think, be enjoyed and appreciated all year round! Everyone happy? Good!

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Sweet and savoury canapés

My friends and family will tell you that I love receiving foodie gifts, particularly new and interesting products that I have not see before. A few weeks ago my parents returned from a weekend away with two such items – large tortilla baskets and smaller canapé shells from a local company called Kari Foods. Today I am going to show you how to make happiness in a mouthful with two recipes that I created using the canapé shells.

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Falafel with minted tahini yoghurt

When it comes to chickpeas there seem to be two distinct camps – people either love ’em or hate ’em! Personally, I could eat chickpeas every day, but I know plenty of people who would not touch them… even with a very long, long barge pole.

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Sugar and spice Christmas pecans

 
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas… the tree is up, the presents are wrapped, the Christmas album has been loaded onto the iPod (a necessity) and I have a stash of these in the cupboard – crunchy, candied Christmas pecans!

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