Three alternative ways to enjoy chocolate
I'm not going to lie, chocolate has been a bit of saviour during the lockdown. And I don't just mean in the eating. Spending time mixing up big batches of my Calm Cocoa hot chocolate blends, creating bespoke cookie orders and running chocolate meditations has all had...
My 5 Favourite Lockdown Bakes
It's no secret that the UK has gone a bit flour crazy amidst the Covid-19 lockdown, with supermarket shelves looking rather depleted of their stocks. Or totally empty in the case of my own local shops. I was beyond delighted to discover my local bakery selling bags of...
Chocolate Peanut Butter No-Bake Summer Slice
It's been a little while since I've shared a recipe,but as it's currently summer school holidays in the UK, I wanted to create something fun, easy and delicious to make with kids (yours or someone else's) over the break. It includes one of my favourite chocolate...
Roasted Roots with Cacao Nibs
One of the many (MANY!) reasons I'm a fan of chocolate is that it has both a sweet and savoury side, particularly when it comes to cacao nibs. These little roasted bits of cocoa beans are a lovely addition to any pantry, but I often get asked how on earth to use them....
Marmalade Choc Chip Cookies
As this is the month of Valentine's, I wanted to share a simple and tasty recipe that makes a lovely gift (for yourself or someone else!). Sometimes the greatest way you can show someone you care is by making something with your very own hands. I love the bittersweet...
Pumpkin Seed Choco Chilli Bites
As Halloween rolls around for another year and the weather gets chillier, I definitely start turning to comforting food that warms me up from the inside - and so for my latest Halloween-inspired recipe I've created something super simple, but super tasty with just a...
Dark Chocolate Dipped Homemade Crystallised Ginger Sticks
I really can't get enough ginger! It's one of the ingredients that's a safe bet when my stomach is feeling a bit dodgy. This recipe is a slightly different take on the juicy chunks of crystallised ginger that you'll find in jars. Instead I've created slightly crispy,...
Ginger and IBS: 3 gingery drinks for trouble tums
Ginger is one of my absolute go-to ingredients when my stomach starts to feel a bit on the upset side. I generously grate it into stir fries, chew on delicious chunks of crystallised ginger and, best of all when I need something soothing, whip it up into a drink. I...
Sourdough Secrets: how to make sourdough starter – and some special recipes to use it in
In my last post I mentioned the wonderful power and taste of fermented foods; this week as a follow up I'm sharing some tips on how to create one of my favourite ferments: sourdough. If you are a fellow IBS sufferer and struggle with bread, you might find you're okay...
Gingery Miso Noodle Broth
Oh yes February is a chilly old month, which just makes me want to curl up inside with a big old bowl of soup. My latest recipe is a very warming AND tummy calming concoction, full of ginger and a little fermented miso paste. When my stomach is feeling uncomfortable...
All I want for Christmas: Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
Baking is one of my favourite forms of therapy. And Christmas baking? Well that just takes things to a whole new level. When it's frosty outside (like it has been) and I'm feeling like I need a bit of comfort (which I have been), then it's to the kitchen I turn. Which...
Layer up: Savoury Vegetable Cake
I'm going to start with the bad news. You know that 5 A Day message you've been hearing for years when it comes to eating fruit and veg? Well that's the bare minimum you should be eating - and honestly it's not really enough. The reality is you should be aiming for 7...
Small Moments & Mouthfuls: Lemon Olive Oil Cookies With Black Pepper
Sometimes there's nothing more comforting than a cup of tea and a homemade biscuit. I'm not generally a big biscuit eater, but every now and then, it's just what I fancy. When I get this urge, I start hunting around in my cupboard to see what ingredients I have to...
‘Bag Ends’ Bread for World Earth Day 2017
It's a good week to do some tree hugging: just in case you missed it, Saturday was Earth Day 2017. This annual celebration of loving our planet comes at an important time with the world feeling a bit politically wobbly and a certain leader, whose name starts with T...
Get Your Hygge On: Yumble Spicy Rhubarb Crumble
Crumble is one of my ultimate comfort foods. And by comfort foods, I mean something that makes me feel warm and fuzzy. In the depths of February, this is just the type of food that gives me a big smile and a happy stomach. For me, it's also the perfect hygge food. If...
Mulled Hot Chocolate: a moment of festive mmmm!
My first experience of hot chocolate was the sugary, powdery confection type. It was a bit of a guilty pleasure as a child when anything sweet was a treat. We didn't have it too often at home when I was very little, so when we did it was pretty special. I may have...
Halloween Pumpkin Cacao ‘Kapow’ Balls
I love, love, love autumn. I look forward to the weather getting a little cooler as it's perfect for long walks outside to look at the russet coloured leaves starting to cover the trees. There's also something kind of fun about kicking up big piles of leaves (or is...
Chocolate Week Cacao Nib Pesto
Get to know your nibs If it's not 100% clear from the amount that I write about chocolate, I think cacao and chocolate are truly wonderful foods. I definitely agree with the official name of the plant that chocolate comes from: the plant name theobroma cacao means...
3 quick healthy meals for ‘lazy cook’ days: what I cook when I can’t be bothered cooking
I'm going to let you in on a little secret, as long as you promise not to tell anyone. So here it is: even though I love food and creating tasty dishes, sometimes I really can't be bothered cooking. Yes, it's true! I run workshops and events that encourage people to...
‘Take Your Time’ Tea-Infused Banana Bread
With Afternoon Tea Week in full swing, I'm sure there are many happy tummies around the UK. But if you don't want to go out, this is the perfect time to have your own afternoon tea celebration at home. You could do this as a solo venture or invite some friends over,...
Golden Granola – and it’s gluten free!
Granola has had a bit of a breakfast revival recently. From good old oats to grain-free paleo versions, there's something for everyone. I know it sometimes feels easier to just pick up a packet of cereal from the supermarket shelves, but the good news is that granola...