Smoked mackerel pate
Take 2 pieces of smoked mackerel, remove the skin and bones and place in a food processor with 2 tbsp Greek yogurt and 1 tsp of horseradish & some chopped chives (optional). Whizz together until a smooth paste and serve on toasted sourdough bread, with rocket & watercress.
Banana & Blueberry smoothie
Add a handful of blueberries, ½ banana, 2 tbsp of Greek yogurt, ½ tbsp flaxseed, 1 tbsp vanilla protein powder and a splash of milk (cow’s or alternative), ½ tbsp peanut butter (optional) plus some ice into a liquidiser, blast until smooth, then serve.
Home-made Granola
Put 4 cups of porridge oats, 1 cup of chopped nuts, ½ tsp cinnamon and a grind of salt in a bowl. Melt ½ cup of coconut oil in a pan, and add ½ cup maple syrup with 1 tsp of vanilla essence. Pour the liquid into the bowl and mix well. Place on a baking tray, covered with brown baking paper and pack down. Bake in the oven 160oC for 15 minutes, then mix again and bake for a further 15 minutes, making sure the oats don’t burn. Let the mixture cool completely before storing in an air-tight container. Add chocolate chips or cranberries to the mixture for more variety (optional) and serve with Greek yogurt and fruit.
Shakshuka with eggs
Fry half a red onion, half a red pepper & half a yellow pepper. Add half a tin of tomatoes, 1tsp of tomato puree, 1/2tsp cumin & 1/2tsp of smoked paprika. Simmer for a couple of minutes, adding a little water if needed. Make 2 holes in the mixture and drop an egg in each hole. Cover with a pan lid for 5 minutes, until the eggs are cooked. Serve with Greek yogurt, and season with salt & pepper.
Chicken Stir-Fry
Cook thin strips of chicken in a large pan or wok, adding finely chopped vegetables. I use red onions, peppers, broccoli and carrots but mange tout, peas, spring onions, finely chopped cabbage or other vegetables would work just as well. When the meat is cooked (check by cutting one piece in half and make sure nothing is pink) and the vegetables are cooked but still firm, add freshly cooked rice (avoid reheated cooked rice as this can lead to food poisoning) and a few splashes of soya sauce. Beat 2 eggs together and add this to the pan and stir continuously until the egg is cooked. Serve with a green salad.
Cranberry Flapjacks
110g butter, 3tbsp golden syrup, 50g demerara sugar, 280g oats, a handful of cranberries Melt the butter, golden syrup and sugar together in a pan. Add the oats and cranberries and mix well. Place the mixture in a baking tin approx. 20 x 20cm and bake in the oven at 1800C for around 15 minutes until golden brown. Cool and decorate with a drizzle of dark chocolate.
Home-made fajita mix
1tsp cumin, chilli powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, ground coriander & cajun spice. Mix together and add to chicken, onions and peppers. Cook through thoroughly and serve with rice or wraps, Greek yogurt, salsa and avocado.
Tomato Soup
1 packet of vine-ripened tomatoes (approx 15), 1 red pepper, 4 garlic cloves, 1 tin plum tomatoes, 1 red onion, 1 pint veg stock, 1/3 jar sun-dried tomatoes, 1/2 tsp turmeric, salt & pepper to season plus chilli flakes optional.
Roast the tomaotes, red pepper (cut into chunks), garlic and salt with EVOO for 15 mins.
Chop and saute the onion. Add the roasted tomatoes, garlic and pepper, veg stock, tin of tomatoes, and sun-dried tomatoes and bring to the boil. Simmer for 10 mins, adding the turmeric, chilli flakes, salt and pepper as required. Blitz in a liquidiser and add parsley and croutons to serve.
