Easy Peasy Wraps

When we transitioned to a completely wholefood way of life, I was pretty much making EVERYTHING from scratch which was obviously time consuming and felt like I was in the kitchen ALL.OF.THE.TIME…scrap that, it didn’t feel like it, I WAS!!

I started looking to see what I could cull from my list of things to make, one of which was wraps. So the search began. How hard could it be I though? VERY HARD….

 OH EM GEE…the ingredients list was horrendous, even the so called healthy ones.

Even when I did try some of “healthier” ones out on the family for convenience, they did not enjoy them and preferred the ones I made.

Alas, wraps stayed on my list of things to make. What is the big deal I thought? It takes me 15-20 minutes start to finish (if I’m not resting the dough, time permitting). They taste good, versatile, pliable and freeze amazingly.

 Here is my tried and tested recipe that I have been using now close to 6 years and it is very forgiving.

 Ingredients:

• 3 cups of flour of choice ( I alternate between my Gluten Free flour and Spelt Flour)

• 1/3 cup of olive oil

• 2/3 cup of plain greek yoghurt (check the label to ensure there is nothing extra added)

• 1 tsp of salt

• ½-1 cup of water, depending on texture…I usually use just over ½ cup

 Method:

• Mix all the ingredients together until the dough is formed

• Rest 30 min  - 4 hours (time permitting, I don’t always rest. This makes the dough easier to digest, specially if using a gluten based flour)

• Break into small balls, I usually get 10-12

• Roll out thinly on a floured surface

• Warm up a pan on medium heat

• Dry fry until bubbles form, then flip onto the other for another 10 sec or so

• Repeat.

They are ready to use and freeze amazingly.

Once cooled down, place parchment paper in between slices and freeze in a suitable container or freezer bag.

When ready to use, just allow 5 min for them thaw.

Enjoy

Citrus & Berry Breakfast Pudding

Gluten Free, Grain Free, Refined Sugar Free, Nut Free, Dairy Free

Confession - I'm quite a creature of habit with food. I could easily eat the same thing for a LONG period of time and not be phased by it. One day whilst sitting down to my "usual" breakfast, one of the kids said "Mum you have the same thing for breakfast everyday" That'swhen I thought about when was the last time I had something different, I could not remember!

So I figured it was time to come up with a few different options. That's when this little baby was created.

For me, breakfast needs to follow this formula:

• Sufficient Fat

• Sufficient protein

• Grain free

• Sustaining for at least 4- 5 hours

• Take less than 5 min to prep

I've become so in tune with what my body likes and needs and find the above formula just works!

Ingredients:

• ½ cup of coconut milk

• ¼ cup of coconut flour

• 2 eggs

• 2 tbsp of coconut oil

• 3 tbs of maple syrup or sweetener of choice. Have also used 2 dates

• Zest & juice of 1 lemon or lime, hence the citrus name

• ½ cup of frozen organic berries

• 1 tbsp of vanilla essence, can use less, but I like vanilla

Method:

• Pre-heat oven to 180degrees centigrade

• Mix all ingredients together well in a blender (except frozen berries)

• Pour batter evenly into 3-4 ramekin containers, I usually get 4

• Spread berries on top of the batter

• Bake for 30 min or until golden brown on the top

I usually have mine served with some yoghurt or a dollop of cream or home-made granola scattered on the top or with a chopped up banana....so yum.

That is breakfast sorted for 4 days!

Enjoy XX

Grain Free Gluten Free Chicken Nuggets

OK, so it shouldn't come as a surprise that I'm not fan of chicken nuggets from the usual outlets or even the frozen “organic” varieties you find in the freezer section of the supermarket. Once again, you just need to read the labels to notice the plethora of ingredients. Many of them contain E numbers, preservatives and artificial flavours of which none is needed and is actually very damaging to one’s health.  My kids are just like others and also love chicken nuggets, so I wanted a healthier alternative. That’s when I came up with this little recipe.

What you need:

• 500g chicken breast sliced thinly into strips or chicken tenderloins. Could also use thigh fillets

• 1 cup of chickpea flour

• 1 ½ tsp of real salt or season to taste

• 1 tsp of onion powder

• 1 tbsp of garlic powder (I’m a little obsessed with garlic powder at the moment, it goes on everything . Lessen if that’s too much for you

• 1 tsp of mixed herbs

• 1 egg slightly beaten *

• 1tsp paprika seasoning (optional, not needed)

 How you do it:

1.       Mix flour, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, mixed herbs and paprika if using into a shallow glass bowl

2.       Have egg slightly beaten into another bowl

3.       Dip each chicken strip into the egg and then the flour mixture

4.       Once all completed, shallow fry on medium heat until golden brown

5.       Enjoy with your favourite steamed veggies, salad, home made potatoe fries etc

Grain Free Gluten Free Chicken Nuggets

I often double the recipe and make enough for dinner and then freeze the rest uncooked for another day when you are super busy and need something quick for dinner. You can also individually wrap some of the chicken strips before you freeze. Handy for when you need a quick lunch for the kids!

 *I have successfully made these without the egg when my son was completely egg free. Just substitute the egg for any milk your child can handle.

**These can also be made salicylate friendly by only using salt & garlic powder and omitting the rest of the flavourings. It was still quite tasty.

Seeded Grain Free Citrus Berry Breakfast Slice

Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Nut Free, Grain Free, Refined Sugar Free.

This slice is so tasty & sustaining. I often have it with a dollop of yoghurt or cream on the side and sets me up for the day, although not necessary to add. It also contains all the necessary elements for good gut health, cellular health, brain health and great for stabilising blood sugar levels.

Ingredients

• 2 cups of activated seeds grounded to a fine meal, I usually do 1 cup sunflower and 1 cup pepita seeds

• 4 eggs

• ¼ cup of coconut oil melted

• 1 tablespoon of vanilla essence (I really like vanilla, so reduce it to a tsp if that seems too much for you)

• Juice & rind of either 1 lemon, lime or orange, lemon is my favourite

• 2-3 heaped tbsp of tapioca flour

• ½ cup of frozen berries of your choice

NOTE: - I've not added in any sweetener, but you could add 1/4 cup of maple syrup, honey or rapadura sugar if you find your taste buds prefer a little bit of sweetness.

Method

1. Preheat oven to 180 degrees C

2. Blend all ingredients together (except for the berries)

3. Pour batter into a greased oven proof pan

4. Sprinkle berries on the top

5. Bake for 35 min or until golden brown and skewer comes out clean

6. When cooled, slice into desired sizes and store in an air tight container in the fridge.

These also freeze really well, so store in portion sizes ready to go whenever you need it. All you have to do is warm up the slices for a few minutes in the oven.

Enjoy XX