Cupcakes & Couscous

Homemade tomato sauce

Published on August 10, 2015February 10, 2019 by Teresa Ulyate4 Comments

In the last few months I have been hearing more and more about sugar, particularly the negative effects it has on body and mind. I have become more conscious of my sugar intake, especially the hidden sugars that lurk in most convenience foods, and thinking of ways to reduce it. Wouldn’t it be great, I thought, to develop some sugar-free versions of some of my family’s favourite condiments, starting with that oh-so-delicious but oh-so-sugary tomato sauce. I started working on a recipe, but then life just got crazy busy and my poor little recipe slowly slipped down the to do list and was forgotten for a few weeks.

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Date and nut balls (with video)

Published on July 27, 2015November 24, 2017 by Teresa Ulyate6 Comments

Warning: parental ramblings ahead! I am sure parents everywhere are breathing a collective sigh of relief as school resumes for the third term. If I am honest I actually quite enjoyed the 3 week break from lunchboxes, school runs and most of all the dreaded “lurgies” that always make their way home from the playground. Yes, the holidays can push any parent’s patience to the limit at times, but all too often I am reminded of how quickly time goes and that this chapter in our family journey is really so fleeting and special. Even when I am knee deep in stuffed toys, picking tiny bits of muesli off the soles of my feet (did I not just sweep that floor 5 minutes ago?!?) and answering the same question for the tenth time whilst pureeing a chicken and veggie concoction for the babe. All to the soundtrack of the washing machine and Disney radio. Special times, chaos and all!

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Brie, fennel and tomato tarts

Published on July 13, 2015October 19, 2017 by Teresa Ulyate4 Comments

A few weeks ago I started buying a weekly fruit and veggie bag from an organic shop close to home. This is something I have been intending to try out for a very long time. Having small children has made me more aware of what we as a family are eating and this has been my main motivating factor for giving the weekly organic bag a go. I love that we are getting seasonal, locally grown produce and enjoying food without any nasties in it.

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Mushroom soup with chevin and thyme toasts (with video)

Published on July 1, 2015February 21, 2018 by Teresa Ulyate1 Comment

Soup has been on the menu just about every day lately, it has become my lunchtime staple. There is something very satisfying about making it from scratch and this particular recipe includes two of my favourite food groups – mushrooms and cheese. Those are definitely food groups by the way.

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For the love of cake: Cake round up

Published on June 16, 2015May 7, 2018 by Teresa Ulyate1 Comment

I feel as though CAKES have been my theme lately, with various celebrations that have happened over the last few months. So this week I thought it might be fun to share some of my recent cake creations with you. Let’s just clarify one thing out though – I looove to bake, but when it comes to cake decorating my skills are more on the rustic side. Some of the cakes worked out better than others, but all of them were made with love!

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Baby marrow, sundried tomato and chevin tart

Published on May 25, 2015November 22, 2017 by Teresa Ulyate5 Comments

Life feels like a bit of a blur at the moment. I am sure many of you can relate – from the moment I open my eyes in the morning to the minute I collapse into bed each evening I am on the go, moving from one pressing task to the next. Sometimes you just really need to stop and smell the pastry.. err, I mean roses. Weekends are a good time for this when things are (sometimes) a little less frantic and rushed, and there is a bit more time for some leisurely cooking.

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Pumpkin spice cookies

Published on April 21, 2015December 17, 2017 by Teresa Ulyate1 Comment

While there is no denying that the arrival of summer is highly anticipated at the end of each year, I have to admit that I rather look forward to the autumn season. A welcome respite from the heat, beautiful red and brown leaves dotting the trees and an excuse to start enjoying some favourite comfort foods are just a few of the things that come to mind.

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Chocolate Easter nest cupcakes (with video)

Published on March 30, 2015March 28, 2025 by Teresa Ulyate3 Comments

I suppose I should be used to it by now, but I could not believe my eyes when just one week after Christmas the supermarket shelves were already filling up with Easter eggs! Of course now that it is March you cannot maneuver your shopping trolley without bumping into a chocolate bunny but it is a bit more acceptable now that Easter is just a few days away, yay! A few weeks ago a friend sent me a photo of a beautiful Easter bird nest cake. It reminded me of some Easter cupcakes I made years ago, and I decided they would be perfect to make again and share with you this week. They will make a colourful and delicious addition to your Easter table!

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