Roz Purcell's Blog, page 40

Super Green Breakfast Bowl

This simple, super green breakfast bowl is the easiest and healthiest way to start your day. You can customise the toppings to mix it up and satisfy your taste buds.

NOTella Mousse

Healthy chocolate and hazelnut mousse that tastes just like (and as good as) Nutella! This recipe is really simple to toss together and perfect for when those chocolate cravings strike.

NBF Afternoon Tea & Cooking Demo Tickets on Sale Now!

Join me for a delicious Natural Born Feeder afternoon tea and cooking demo on Sunday 19th February 2017. I’ve created a healthy afternoon tea using some of my all time favourite recipes for people to relish including sweet and savoury options (all gluten free). Followed by the afternoon tea, I will do a cooking demo sharing some of my favourite recipes and talk about my approach to whole foods.

What to expect on the day:

+ Afternoon Tea

+ Cooking Demo

+ Lots of Goodies

+ Spot Prizes

Tickets only €55. Get your tickets now here

Perfect Christmas present for the foodie in your life :)

Blueberry Overnight Oats

Overnight oats is one of my favourite breakfast, packed with fiber, vitamins, and nutrients. It’s an ideal breakfast for people on the go as you prepare it the night before so it’s ready to be eaten straight away in the morning.

Christmas Gifts to get the Foodie in your Life

Not sure what to get the foodie in your life this Christmas? Check out some of my top favourites and kitchen accessories I couldn’t live without for inspiration!

 

Nutri Bullet Superfood Nutrition Extractor 

A powerful little machine packed into a unique, slim design that’s very easy to clean. It can even blend whole root veg. In addition to the usual smoothies, I also use it for making some of my pancakes batters, date caramel and nut milks and for making flours too, like oat and quinoa flour. Considering how much I use it, it’s been my number one best-value kitchen purchase. If you need a gift for someone who loves to bake, or loves convenience then this is perfect!

Where to buy: €109 from Littlewoods

Non-stick Pan

This is a kitchen must. It’s really worth investing in a good pan to whip up delicious pancakes, crêpes, egg wraps and much more.

Where to buy: €24.98 from Arnotts

 

Slow Cooker

Slow cookers are such a helpful way of cooking and are inexpensive and easy to find too. They’re a lifesaver for busy people who want to arrive home at the end of a long day to a wholesome dinner.

Where to buy: €49 from Harveynorman.ie

 

 

Natural Born Feeder Cookbook

Of course, I had to add Natural Born Feeder cookbook to the mix!  With over 170 easy-to-follow, delicious recipes it will get the foodie in your life feeling inspired in the kitchen and to get cooking!

Where to buy: €19.25 from Amazon.co.uk

 

 

Julienne Peeler

A julienne peeler is a cheaper option than a spiralizer and is a good alternative if you don’t have much storage space in your kitchen. I used one before buying my spiralizer, and I still use it. It gives a similar result, but is hand held, small and easy to use.

Where to buy: €8.25 from Debenhams

 

Airtight Containers

Essential for storing leftovers and baked goods – anyone who loves to cook and bake will need an unlimited supply of airtight containers and will really appreciate the thought as they have a miraculous way of disappearing the whole time from the kitchen.

Where to buy: Brown Thomas, IKEA or any leading supermarkets

 

 

Nourish Selection Box

For chocolate lovers who want to indulge but keep it healthy, this is exactly what they need! Full of healthier alternatives, the box includes Ombar, Vego, Naked and much more – all gluten free, dairy free and vegan.

Where to buy: €12.95 from Nourish.ie

 

 

Bodyfirst Nutrition Selection Box

For the gym fanatic in your life, they will adore this selection box. Full of the top protein bars, this box will nicely tie them over the Christmas holidays!

Where to buy: €13.95 from Bodyfirst Nutrition

 

Gingerbread Cookies

This healthy, easy to follow recipe for gingerbread cookies is great for baking with kids, and it makes for a delicious homemade Christmas treat for family and friends.

Natural Flu Remedies & Recipes

Winter is here and that means, colds flus and bugs. What you can do to help your health is boost your immune system with whole foods and supplements. I’ve been getting a few requests from people to share my tips and recipes that help your body shift the dreaded cold bug and runny nose.

 

These are just my tips and there are thousands of other suggestions and supplements across the internet, fantastic pages to follow are the likes of Patrick Holford and Dale Pinnock!

 

 

Probiotics 

 

Taking a good probiotic that will help with your digestive health cause your gut is the largest immune organ in your body! It has eight strains of good bacteria which help promote immune function, aids the build-up of beneficial bacteria after taking antibiotics and supports general health. You can pick these up in any health stores.

 

I take Bio Care brand and Udos choice is great too.

 

Fermented Food

 

Try to add some fermented food into your diet to aid digestions also like kimchi, umeboshi & kefir. By adding food like Kimchi, it helps promotes beneficial bacteria to support your gut. I use this Irish brand Cultured Kitchen

 

Apple Cider Vinegar 

 

I sometimes think this is a miracle product. As soon as I feel a sore throat coming on I mix 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar with 1/4 cup warm water and gargle every hour or so and for me, it helps keep any infection brewing at bay. It’s also good if you have a cold as it’s full of potassium which can thin mucus. If you have a cold, mix a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of warm or cold water and drink.

 

Hydration

 

It’s so important to stay hydrated all the time but especially when you have a cold. I always try drink lots of water at least 2.5/3 litres a day. As well as drinking lots of water, I love sipping on something a bit warmer. In the mornings I usually make lemon, hot water and ginger. The major benefit of ginger and lemon tea is its ability to strengthen your immunity. Lemon is a great source of vitamin C and ginger is full of anti-oxidants all vital for optimum health. When you feel a cold and flu coming on, ginger and lemon tea can act as an effective anti-biotic.

 

I’m also addicted to Green tea, ok that’s a lie – but I do try have at least 2 cups a day! It’s full of antibiotics. Add a spoonful of honey and a squeeze of lemon to soothe a sore throat.

 

Rest

 

I’m always on the go and sometimes have to force myself to stop and relax. When your body is run down by taking a break and relaxing can do it the world of good! It’s easy to underestimate the power of an extra few hours in bed or a relaxing day at the spa. Sometimes you just have to treat yo’self!

 

Good Food 

 

Here are some of my favourite recipes to shift a cold.

 

Ready Steady Go Juice 

Serves 1

 

Naturally so sweet, this combination gives carrot juice a run for its money. This juice is bursting with beta carotene and is full of vitamin A and C. You may think the ingredients are a little unusual and might take a bit of time to acquire a taste for but if you like sweetness and a thicker filling juice, you will love this, plus it has loads of health benefits!

 

Ingredients

 

1 large sweet potato (250g) peeled & chopped
1 sweet red peppers seeds removed
1 red apple cored
1.5″ piece ginger
½ tsp cinnamon

 

Method:

 

Juice all ingredients.

 

 

Coconut Rice Porridge with quick Chia Jam

 

Ingredients

 

45g Brown or white rice flakes
200ml coconut milk

 

Toppings

 

Blueberry chia jam
Desiccated coconut
Toasted buckwheat groats or nuts
Cashews
Bee Pollen
Fruit

 

Method

 

Place the rice flakes and coconut milk in a saucepan.
Bring to boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5-6 minutes, until you reach your desired porridge consistency.
Spoon into a bowl and serve with a dollop of chia jam and some desiccated coconut, toasted buckwheat groats or nuts scattered on top.

 

 

Chicken Soup

 

The original flu fighter, this soup can even cure the man flu! This soup is almost a meal in itself and is full of goodness.

 

Ingredients

 

Full chicken (try use organic and free range)
2 onions large
2 garlic bulbs (not just cloves)
500g carrots
1 large tin of sweetcorn (no added sugar or salt)
Handful dried bay leaves
teaspoon chili powder
300g precooked brown rice noodles or glass noodles or vegetable noodles
Dried sage & sea salt – mix 3 tbsp. of each in a bowl

 

Method

 

Cut up the carrots, onion and garlic.
Rub the chicken in sage and salt and place in a large pot with the vegetables and garlic. Then, fill up with water.
Add a teaspoon of chili powder and bay leaves and heat until boiling, then simmer for 2 hours.
After two hours, remove the chicken and pull the meat off the bones and skim the fat off the top of the broth.
Add back in the chicken meat to the pot and simmer for a further 90 minutes.
Add the sweetcorn, noodles and salt and pepper to taste.

 

 

Easy Chilli

Serves 4

 

Ingredients

 

coconut or rapeseed oil, for frying

1 large onion, chopped
1 large fresh red chili, deseeded and finely chopped
2 large garlic cloves, chopped
1 tbsp. ground cumin
1 tbsp. sweet or smoked paprika
1 tbsp. chili powder
450g minced beef or turkey
450ml tomato passata
200g tinned chickpeas or kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 tsp hot sauce (optional)
1 tsp dried oregano

 

Method

 

Heat a little oil in a large pot over a medium heat.
Sauté the onion, chili, garlic and spices for 5–6 minutes, until softened and slightly browned. Add the minced meat and stir to break it up.
Reduce the heat to low and cook slowly for about 20 minutes, stirring now and then so the meat doesn’t catch on the bottom of the pot and burn.
Add the passata and bring to the boil for 2 minutes, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
Add the chickpeas or beans and simmer for another 5 minutes.
Serve with quinoa, bulgur wheat, brown rice or cauliflower rice.

 

 

The Tastiest Veggie Stew

Serves 4 large portions

 

Ingredients

 

1 tbsp. coconut oil
2 red onions chopped
2 cloves garlic diced finely
2 large sticks of celery sliced
1 large butternut squash cut into 2cm pieces
1 tbsp. cumin seeds or ground
1 courgette sliced and quartered
500ml vegetable stock (opt for low sodium)
5 large tomatoes (on the vine if possible)
150g frozen peas
10g parsley leaves to garnish

 

Method

 

First, prep the tomatoes, dice two into 1” chunks, with the other 3 tomatoes place them in a food processor or Nutri Bullet and puree into a smooth liquid (it may turn pinkish in color- that’s ok).
Place the coconut oil into a large pot over medium heat, once melted add in the onion giving a quick stir, place the lid on and sweat the onion for 6 minutes until almost tender.
Toss in the garlic, cumin, celery and cook for a moment or two.
Next add the butternut, cook for 3 minutes stirring occasionally.
Pour in the stock, adding the courgette, chopped tomato and tomato puree.
Turning the heat up and bring to boil for 4-5 minutes before turning the heat low and allowing the stew to simmer with the lid on for 15 minutes.
Finally, Season with some freshly chopped parsley.
Recommend serving with quinoa.

 

Roast Vegetables, Pesto & Quinoa Hot Bowl

This simple dish is the ultimate bowl of goodness. I added poached eggs to my dish to add some protein but you can add different ingredients to suit your preference.

Squash, Peanut and Chilli Soup

This is a thick, rich soup with loads of flavour. Full of goodness, this bowl is perfect to heat you up during the winter months.

Best Places for a Delicious Bowl of Porridge in Dublin

I love making my own porridge (click here for my own personal favourite recipe), it’s a really simple nutritious meal to whip up quickly and you can spruce it up with amazing toppings.

 

However, with winter here and the colder weather upon us, I have to admit it’s such a treat to pick up a nice creamy healthy porridge when running around town. I’ve listed my top favourite spots to pick up porridge on the go;

 

The Fat Fox, Camden Street

 

This vegan porridge is insanely creamy and tasty. The porridge is made with rice milk so it’s dairy free and vegan friendly. For only €2 you can get a massive takeaway porridge with compote, granola and yoghurt and for €3.50 go for the full whack which includes: fresh fruit, seeds and nut butter.

 

 

Mooch, Dawson St. & Dundrum 

Mooch porridge is dairy free and you can pick whatever toppings that float your boat and trust me there is LOTS of toppings to choose from, over 50, from fresh fruit, nut butters, seeds and chocolate.  You can even add a scoop of protein for a perfect pre-workout meal. They serve porridge all day too so it’s not just a breakfast option.

It’s €3 for a basic porridge with almond milk and either honey or maple syrup.

 

 

 

Cocu Kitchen

 

Cocu’s porridge is made with organic jumbo oats and their own COCU recipe and it’s so creamy and reasonable at €3.95. The toppings you can choose from are:

Cocu Crazy with banana / agave / raw cacao
Super Charged Porridge with blueberries and super seed mix
Cocu Crunch with Cocu homemade granola and seasonal compote

 

 

 

Póg,Dublin 1 

 

Póg offers up some tasty protein porridge which is perfect for a post workout breakfast! Their porridge is made with organic milk, vanilla protein and cinnamon and then you choose two toppings for €5.00. They recently revamped their menu and offer lots of delicious breakfast options.

 

 

 

Slice Café, Dublin 7

 

This café is the sister to Cake Café which is a little hidden gem off Camden St. What’s great about this is, as well as your regular porridge you can choose to have your porridge made with almond milk or coconut milk. I love this, plus they have LOADS of toppings to choose from to suit your preference. A regular porridge is €4.00. They also have a superfood porridge made with unsweetened almond milk and served with dates, cranberries, figs, mixed seeds, nuts, Newgrange Camelina oil and Highbank orchard syrup for €5.90. Drooling yet?