Chocolate Hazelnut Spread

In addition to my first chocolate nut spread recipe - made with almonds - this hazelnut version is like the original Nutella. As highlighted in the previous post, the first ingredient in Nutella isn't nuts, but sugar! A two tablespoon serving has 200 calories, 12g fat and 21g sugar. Full nutritional information is here.

I love snacking, so spreading this healthier alternative to Nutella on top of rice cakes makes a tasty treat. A 30g serving of the recipe below only has 119 calories and less than 9g fat and just over 5.5g sugar.

Chocolate Hazelnut Spread
Makes 10 (30g) servings
Click HERE for a printable recipe card.

Ingredients:
- 140g / 5oz hazelnuts, roasted
- 60g / 3tbsp honey
- 25g / 5tbsp cocoa powder, natural unsweetened
- 75ml / 5tbsp almond milk, unsweetened

Method:
If not already roasted, toast the hazelnuts in the oven for about 10 minutes at 190C / 375F. Remove shells by rubbing nuts between palms.
In a food processor, pulse the nuts into a powder and then keep blending until a smooth butter/paste is formed.

Add all the remaining ingredients and mix together.

Spoon into an air tight container and store in the fridge. ENJOY!
Click HERE for a printable recipe card.

Nutritional Information:

Chocolate Almond Spread

Whilst Nutella, the original hazelnut chocolate spread contains no artificial colours or preservatives and has over 50 nuts per 13oz jar. The first ingredient listed (and largest amount) is sugar! A two tablespoon serving has 200 calories, 12g fat and 21g sugar. Full nutritional information is here.

After the success of these quick and easy Cinnamon Quinoa Bars, I didn't want to keep spreading Nutella on them every day! Therefore I thought I'd make my own version. The recipe below uses almonds but hazelnuts can also be used. If the hazelnuts are not already roasted, they can be toasted in the oven and their shells removed easily by rubbing them between your palms.

The chocolate spread has less calories and sugar than Nutella and the same amount of fat, but my recipe gives 45g per serving instead of Nutella's 37g.

Chocolate Almond Spread
Makes 6 (45g) servings
Click HERE for a printable recipe card.

Ingredients:
- 140g / 5oz almonds
- 40g / 2tbsp honey
- 6g / 1/2tbsp brown sugar
- 10g / 2tbsp cocoa powder, natural unsweetened
- 60ml / 4tbsp almond milk, unsweetened
- 30ml / 2tbsp water
- 5ml / 1tsp vanilla extract.

Method:
Toast the almonds in the oven for about 10 minutes at 190C / 375F.

In a food processor, pulse the nuts into a powder.

Then add all the remaining ingredients and mix until a paste forms.

Feel free to add a bit more milk or water if the mixture is too thick. Keep processing until smooth!

Spoon into an air tight container and store in the fridge.
Spread on toast, tortillas, sliced bananas / apples, or use as a healthy alternative to Nutella. ENJOY!

Click HERE for a printable recipe card.

Nutritional Information:

Chai Tea

I can't start the day without at least two or three cups of tea. I buy boxes of PG Tips in bulk load from the internet and always carry a supply of teabags with me when ever I travel. The key to a good cup of English tea is to using fresh boiling water and good quality (strong) teabags.

Various recipes on the internet suggested adding 10 cardamon pods, gently crushed, or a whole vanilla bean, sliced length ways. I didn't have these ingredients to hand but I did add a little vanilla extract and I also reduced the sugar content. I figured honey or brown sugar can always be added to individual cups when serving if desired.

An additional option to turn this chai tea into the 'adult' variety is to add 30ml/1tbsp bourbon to each warm serving!

Chai Tea
Makes 6 (120ml / 4floz) servings
Click HERE for a printable recipe card.

Ingredients:
- 8 black peppercorns, whole
- 8 cloves, whole
- 56g / 2oz (4-inch piece) fresh ginger, sliced
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 12g / 1tbsp brown sugar
- 2 star anise
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg, ground
- 15ml / 1tbsp vanilla extract
- 960ml / 32floz water
- 4 black tea bags (I use PG Tips)

Method:
In a saucepan, boil all ingredients except tea bags over medium-high heat for 5 minutes.

Reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
Add tea bags and let steep for 5 minutes.

Pour mixture through a strainer and let cool to room temperature.
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to one week.

Mix equal parts concentrate with boiling water or warm milk to make hot chai tea, or serve over ice with cold water or milk. ENJOY!

Click HERE for a printable recipe card.

Mulled Wine

We're well into the festive period and as the weather turns colder, it's the perfect time to continue my Infused Spirits collection with some Mulled Wine. In Germany, this spice wine is called glühwein. There are endless recipes online, with varying ingredients and quantities. All of them contain a bottle (or two) of red wine, spices (cinnamon, cloves, star anise), citrus fruits (orange, lemon), sweetener (honey or sugar) and brandy. Cardamon pods, nutmeg and vanilla are also popular ingredients.

The recipe below doesn't contain brandy (I didn't have any) but if it did, the general consensus is 1/4cup / 60ml for every bottle of red wine.

The recipes I looked at on the internet also had differing methods when it came to citrus fruits. Some said zest or peel oranges and lemons, and then squeeze the juice, whilst others instructed to slice the fruit.

In this first batch, I used Cabernet Sauvignon. Next time I will try using a Pinot noir.

Mulled Wine
Makes 6, (150ml / 5floz) servings
Click HERE for a printable recipe card.

Ingredients:
- 1 orange
- 1 lemon
- 750ml / 1 bottle red wine
- 60ml / 2floz brandy(optional)
- 60ml / 2floz water
- 40g / 2tbsp honey
- 6 cloves, whole
- 1 cinnamon sticks
- 1 star anise

Method:
Zest and juice the orange and lemon.

In a non-aluminum saucepan, combine all the ingredients. Cook over a medium heat for 3-5 minutes.

Reduce to a low heat and gently simmer for at least 20 minutes.

Strain, and pour into a bottle.

Serve warm. ENJOY!

Click HERE for a printable recipe card.

Nutritional Information:

A typical glass (150ml / 5floz serving) of wine has approx. 125 calories, whilst a serving (50ml / 1.5floz) of spirits - vodka, gin, brandy, whisky - has approx. 95 calories.

Kidney Bean Chicken Chili

This recipe doesn't need any meat as it's a great dish with fresh vegetables and red kidney beans. However, I added in some canned chicken for extra protein. Tofu would be a good option too (ideal for vegetarians).
A spoonful of honey sweetens the chili but the spices (chili, paprika and red pepper flakes) give it the classic 'hot' kick!

My Turkey Chili recipe is also a tasty option if I buy lean ground turkey mince or beef.

Kidney Bean Chicken Chili
Makes 6
Click HERE for a printable recipe card.

Ingredients:
- 15ml / 1tbsp olive oil
- 310g / 11oz onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped
- 225g / 8oz celery, chopped
- 80g / 3oz kale
- 1tbsp chili powder
- 1/2tbsp red pepper flakes
- 2tsp paprika
- 800g / 29oz diced tomatoes (no added salt)
- 800g / 29oz red kidney beans, drained
- 85g / 5tbsp tomato paste
- 225g / 8oz chicken, canned
- 20g / 1tbsp honey

Method:
Heat the oil in a large saucepan and cook the onion, garlic, celery, kale and spices for 3-5 minutes.

Add the diced tomatoes, kidney beans and tomato paste.

Simmer for several minutes to allow the chili to thicken and then stir in the cooked chicken and honey.

Heat through to combine and serve with rice. ENJOY!

Click HERE for a printable recipe card.

Nutritional Information:

Cinnamon Quinoa Bars

This is a quick and easy recipe and makes a great on-the-go snack! I really like to eat these bars with a light spread of Nutella or a dollop of apple sauce. They can also be eaten with scrambled or over-easy eggs for a tasty breakfast or brunch.

There are varying sources on the internet regarding the ratio between dry and cooked quinoa. Some say it is 1:3 cups, whilst others say it's 1:4 cups. A dry serving is 45g or 1/4cup. This then makes approx. 125g / 4.5oz cooked quinoa, which equals just short of 1 whole cup. If using cups to measure out the ingredients, 3/4cup dry quinoa will make 2.5cups of cooked quinoa, which is necessary for the recipe below.

Cinnamon Quinoa Bars
Makes 6 large or 12 small bars
Click HERE for a printable recipe card.

Ingredients:
- 135g /5oz quinoa, dry
- 4 eggs, beaten
- 80ml / 3floz almond milk, unsweetened
- 5ml / 1tsp vanilla extract
- 1tbsp cinnamon

Method:
Cook the quinoa. Meanwhile, line an 8-by-8-inch baking pan or loaf tin with parchment.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, almond milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until thoroughly combined.

Allow the quinoa to cool before stirring it into the egg mixture.
Pour into the baking tray and cook at 190C / 375F for 20-25 minutes, until set and golden.

Remove from the oven and cool on a wire rack.

Cut into large or small squares and serve with light spreading of nut butter (I love Nutella for an extra sweet treat). ENJOY!

Click HERE for a printable recipe card.

Nutritional Information: (for six large bars)

Infused Spirits - Chamomile Vodka

I'm slowly building up my recipe list of Infused Spirits, with this fourth vodka recipe infused with chamomile tea. It's a whole new take on Iced Tea!

This herbal, fragrant tea is known for its many health benefits including soothing and relaxing both the mind and body. It aids sleep and eases muscle ache. Thanks to its antibacterial properties, it can also calm inflamed and sensitive skin.

Infused Spirits - Chamomile Vodka
Makes 9, 50ml / 1.5oz servings
Click HERE for a printable recipe card.

Ingredients:
- 3tbsp / 6 chamomile tea bags
- 480ml / 16floz vodka
- 20g / 1tbsp honey

Method:
Cut open the tea bags and place chamomile in an air-tight jar/container.

Pour in the vodka.
Store in a cool, dry place for 3-5-7 days, shaking the jar (not vigorously) one or two times each day.

Depending on the preferred 'strength' or flavour of the infused spirit, after 3, 5 or 7 days, strain the vodka.

Pour the chamomile vodka into a storage jar or bottle.

Serve in a chilled glass or over ice. ENJOY!

Click HERE for a printable recipe card.

Nutritional Information:
A 50ml/1.5floz serving vodka contains 96 calories.
A tablespoon of honey has 64 calories and 17g carbs, all of which is sugar!

On-the-Go Snacks - Sweet

I am always eating! One of the difficult things about this fact is planning ahead and ensuring I have sufficient, appropriate and healthy foods (and drinks) throughout the day. It does take time, effort and preparation. If I didn't do this, I'd end up wasting money - and making poor nutritional choices - at supermarkets and cafes grabbing snacks to keep me going when I'm out and about.

Below are my top 10 recipes for 'sweet' on-the-go snacks. Another blog post coming soon will feature 'savoury' snacks.

A full list of snacks on my blog can be found here.

On-the-Go Snacks - Sweet

Apricot Oat Slice

Banana Oat Energy Bars

Banana Walnut Bran Bread

Beetroot Brownies OR Courgette Brownies

 

Black Almond Fudge

Chia or Flaxseed Lemon Bread

Chocolate Chickpea Dough Ball Cookies

Oatmeal Energy Bars

Peppermint Chocolate Squares

Sunshine Muffins