Real Dark Chocolate Easter Crème Eggs

Easter Creme Eggs 3I know that you will have all been hoping and waiting for these delectable little Easter treats, but I’m sure that many of you have seen the story about little Mavi that I have shared through our Go Fund Me page. If you haven’t, my dearest friends, who I hold very close to my heart and are like family to me along with all their extended families, very suddenly lost their precious 2 1/2 year old son in a tragic farm accident last Tuesday 15th March in rural NSW. It has been such an incomprehensibly sad time for my dear friends, for their extended family and for us as friends. The pain that we are feeling is nothing compared to their grief…we are just with them in spirit through tears and many many prayers.
Maverick Here is a picture of our beautiful most treasured and loved beyond measure Mavi.
Setting up the Go Fund Me page has taken up a large amount of my time and I apologise for getting this to you a little later than usual. But losing a child would have to be one of the worst possible things to go through in life, and as a friend you just want to be there to help, in some kind of small way. We have been thoroughly amazed to see the support network that have rallied behind them to ease their burdens slightly by generously donating to their fund. Between it being aired on the local TV station later this week and their local bank running a fundraiser too, it’s been truly wonderful to see that Aussie spirit of lending a helping hand so evident! If you feel compelled to donate or share please please do so. You can donate easily on the site or scroll to the bottom to copy and paste the link to share. Thankyou thankyou thankyou!

I truly hope that you will take the opportunity to create these beautiful little treats with your children over the coming Easter holidays. Make these together, cuddle your children extra tight, and nourish their hearts, minds and bellies.

I pray you have a safe, healthy & happy Easter and I send much love from my family to yours. Gabrielle xx

*****************A little about the Chocolates*****************************

With chocolate made from scratch from real ingredients these Easter eggs are the perfect treat to pull out and enjoy with your families this Easter.

I have this long time dream of one day being able to visit one of the amazing chocolate making establishments around the world. Perhaps the Callebaut factory in Belgium (right now I send so much love to all those that have suffered enormously over there….just such a sad world!!!) or some of the amazing places where chocolate is made in Switzerland or over Europe.

But for now having a go at making my own will have to suffice. Of course some of the steps like refining the chocolate to improve the taste and texture (called ‘Conching’) are quite tricky to do at home.
But hey this chocolate is real, without being loaded with unneccesary chemicals, preservatives and loads of sugar. This chocolate is good for your body, and is completely guilt-free.

When you buy a block of chocolate from the shops you’ve probably noticed that it has 3 big ingredients. Cacao paste (aka cocoa paste, cocoa mass, cocoa liquor), Cacao butter or cocoa butter, and sugar. So here I’m using cacao paste from Maretai Organics and Cacao Butter to make a great homemade version without all the added nasties. Cacao paste already has cacao butter in it, which is the fat, so unlike other raw chocolate recipes I use less cacao butter in a recipe that uses cacao paste to begin with.

My chosen sweetener that I use here is Coconut Nectar. You can substitute with coconut palm sugar however the mouth feel of the coconut nectar is just that much smoother and the overall texture of the chocolate is just sensational!

Easter Creme Eggs 2For the filling of these eggs, I’ve used a product called Coconut Paste. It’s not coconut butter, it’s finer and runnier, yet super duper creamy, smooth and just incredible. I buy the Loving Earth , I think it’s the best out there! The filling is dairy free, almost like a light caramel or a condensed milk in texture and then once set in the eggs in the fridge it turns fudgey and delightful.

If you don’t want to join these eggs together, you can just place some filling in the prepared chocolate shells and then once set in the fridge cover with chocolate to set. Up to you.

As much as I think making the chocolate from scratch is a whole lot of fun, if you can’t source the products in time for easter just do them at a later point over the holidays or use a good quality dark or organic chocolate. Enjoy!

Real Dark Chocolate Easter Creme Eggs
Yields 16
Deliciously creamy guilt free healthy Creme Easter eggs.
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Prep Time
35 min
Cook Time
5 min
Total Time
40 min
Prep Time
35 min
Cook Time
5 min
Total Time
40 min
Ingredients
  1. Chocolate
  2. 150g Cacao Paste (I use Maretai Organics)
  3. 50g Cacao Butter
  4. 60g Coconut Flower Nectar or Coconut Palm Sugar
  5. 1/2 tsp Vanilla Powder
Creme Egg Filling
  1. 200g Coconut Paste (I use Loving Earth brand)
  2. 100g Coconut Nectar
  3. 100g Coconut Milk
  4. 2 tsp Vanilla Extract
  5. Extra Coconut Paste for drizzling
Instructions
  1. To make the chocolate place the cacao paste & cacao butter into the Thermomix bowl and mill 10 Sec/Speed 9.
  2. Add the coconut nectar and vanilla and melt and mix 5 Mins/37°/Speed 2.
  3. Pour the chocolate into a bowl and set aside for about 5-10 minutes to thicken slightly.
  4. Dampen a small piece of paper towel and wipe out the easter egg moulds with a little macadamia or rice bran oil. This will help the chocolates to release easily and also to give them a nice gloss.
  5. Pour the chocolate into medium easter egg moulds and swirl around until coated. Place in the fridge to set for about 5-10 minutes before repeating this step 2-3 times to get a good layer of chocolate in each mould. You may like to do this with a small paint brush to make sure you are getting a really even thick coating. Using a pastry scraper or a ruler drag across the chocolate to ensure a clean edge everytime you add a layer.
  6. You will need a total of 32 chocolate egg halves, so you may need to do this several times depending on how many moulds you have.
  7. Whilst your chocolate is setting, make the creme filling. Place the coconut paste, the nectar, coconut milk & vanilla into the Thermomix and mix 10-15 Sec/Speed 3. Set aside until ready to use.
  8. Gently un-mould the egg halves, being careful not to over handle as the heat from your hands will melt the chocolate. Place a small spoonful of the filling into each of the halves, levelling them off at the top. Sit the halves on a tray and carefully place them into the fridge to set for about 20 minutes or until the filling has hardened.
  9. To stick the two edges together, heat a baking tray slightly then place the halves briefly onto the tray to heat, then gently push the edges together, running your finger around the entire edges to seal properly.
  10. Place back into the fridge to set firm. You can serve them at this point or you can drizzle with a little extra coconut paste for a decorative finish.
Kitch'n Thyme http://kitchnthyme.com.au/

Roast Pumpkin & Dukkah Spiced Quinoa Salad w Garlic Yoghurt Dressing

Roast Pumpkin Quinoa Salad

Let me just paint a picture for a moment of life as a mummy blogger!!….

You have a toilet training toddler and a newly walking baby that are both into everything!!!…albeit, cute and as adorable as anything!…Well, after 3 hours of working on the same thing, you finally get to finish it and EAT!….If any of you out there relate, this salad is worth waiting for!

The weather is heating up and this salad makes the perfect addition to a lunchbox with some boiled eggs, to a BBQ, a picnic or to dinner! Beautiful with Roast Lamb or Grilled Chicken, I’m sure you will enjoy it!

I use my delicious Hazelnut & Macadamia Dukkah. I love how easy it is to make in my Thermomix, including dry roasting the spices first in the same machine! So handy!

Roast Pumpkin Quinoa Salad 2

Quinoa is such a nutritious pseudo-grain! It’s high protein content makes it a really healthy option for kids and adults alike. Its yummy nutty flavour, really makes it so suitable for fresh salads, especially this dukkah spiced one!

The salad ingredients are honestly quite flexible. If you don’t have cucumber, try snowpeas. If you don’t have pumpkin, both carrot or sweet potato will be nice. Radishes would also go beautifully!

To make it completely Dairy Free, use Coconut Yoghurt in the dressing instead of Greek yoghurt.

I’m sure many of you are beginning to pencil ideas for outdoor and festive season entertaining, so add this one to list, it won’t disappoint!

Roast Pumpkin & Dukkah Spiced Quinoa Salad w Garlic Yoghurt Dressing
Serves 6
Beautiful middle eastern flavours combined to make one yummy salad! Make my delicious Hazelnut & Macadamia Dukkah for this salad!
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Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
25 min
Total Time
40 min
Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
25 min
Total Time
40 min
Ingredients
  1. 170g White Quinoa (500g cooked)
  2. 800g Water
  3. 350g Pumpkin, peeled & diced into 1cm cubes
  4. 2 Tbsp Hazelnut & Macadamia Dukkah
  5. 3 Tbsp Olive Oil
  6. 1 Medium Red Onion, cut into thin wedges
  7. 2 Cloves Garlic, peeled & crushed
  8. 100g Cherry Tomatoes, halved
  9. 2 Lebanese Cucumbers, halved lengthways and sliced diagonally
  10. 1/2 Bunch Watercress
  11. 1/4 Bunch Coriander, leaves
  12. 1 Tbsp Olive Oil
  13. 1 1/2 tsp Celtic Salt
  14. 1 Tbsp Lemon Juice
  15. 30g Roasted Almonds, halved
  16. Extra Hazelnut & Macadamia Dukkah for sprinkling
  17. Black Pepper, for grinding
Garlic Yoghurt Dressing
  1. 1 Clove Garlic, peeled
  2. 150g Greek Yoghurt
  3. 1/4 tsp Celtic Salt
Instructions
  1. Soak the quinoa 30 minutes prior to cooking this recipe.
  2. Place the soaked quinoa into the simmering basket. Place the water into the mixing bowl and insert the basket. Cook for 20-25 Mins/Varoma/Speed 2. Remove the simmering basket and set aside to drain. Place the quinoa into a large mixing bowl.
  3. Line a medium baking tray with baking paper. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the pumpkin on the tray and add the dukkah and 1 Tbsp of the olive oil. Toss with your hands to coat the pumpkin thoroughly. Place into the oven to roast for 15 minutes or until just tender with a knife. Place into the mixing bowl with the quinoa.
  4. Heat the remaining 2 Tbsp oil in a medium frypan over medium heat. Cook the onion & garlic, stirring for 3 minutes. Add to the large mixing bowl.
  5. Add the tomatoes, cucumbers, watercress & coriander. Add the olive oil, salt and lemon and toss well to combine all the ingredients.
  6. For the yoghurt dressing, place the garlic into the Thermomix and chop 3 Sec/Speed 7. Scrape down the sides, add the yoghurt and salt and mix 5 Sec/Speed 3.
  7. Serve the salad on a large platter, topped with the roasted almonds, the yoghurt dressing, extra dukkah if you desire and a generous grind of black pepper.
Notes
  1. You'll need to make a batch of my delicious Hazelnut & Macadamia Dukkah for this recipe!
Kitch'n Thyme http://kitchnthyme.com.au/

Berry & Coconut Panna Cotta Verrines w Hazelnut Crumb

Panna Cottas
These little delights went so well on the table for my daughters Vintage Rose 1st Birthday! They looked so pretty and elegant! I think anything with layers, always looks so attractive and inviting!

Here they are on the table! Don’t they just look so pretty as part of the setup! 1 - Table stuff

I love to party plan and come up with cute ideas for decorations and of course food! If you are being careful of sugar on the table, then leave the fairy floss off and top the crumb with pretty little violets or other edible flowers.

The easiest way to get the layers even, especially the panna cotta, in all the cups is to pop a tray securely on top of your TM lid with your verrines or cups on that. Bring up your scales and using a jug that pours easily, pour the filling straight in to the cups for precise measurements.

Berry & Coconut Panna Cotta w Hazelnut Crumb
Yields 25
Dairy Free smooth and creamy Panna Cottas with Berry Compote and Hazelnut Crumb! Yummo!
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Berry Compote
  1. 250g Strawberries, fresh or frozen
  2. 250g Raspberries, fresh or frozen
  3. 2 Tbsp Maple Syrup
  4. 1 Tbsp Lemon Juice
  5. 1 tsp Vanilla Essence
Panna Cotta
  1. 1 Litre Organic Coconut Milk
  2. 1 Tbsp Gelatin (grass fed, unflavoured)
  3. 120g Honey or Maple Syrup
  4. 2 tsp Vanilla Essence
Hazelnut Crumb
  1. 40g Roasted Hazelnuts, roughly chopped
  2. 100g Wholemeal Spelt Flour
  3. 50g Rapadura Sugar
  4. 1/2 tsp Baking Powder (Aluminium Free)
  5. 100g Organic Butter, cubed & chilled
  6. 40g Desiccated Coconut
  7. 1 tsp ground Cinnamon
  8. 50g Pink Persian Fairy Floss
  9. 24 x 75ml Verrines/glasses/containers
Instructions
  1. Place all the compote ingredients into the Thermomix with the simmering basket on top of lid in place of MC and cook 20-25 Mins/100°/Speed 1/Reverse, or until becoming thickened and somewhat jammy. Pour about 2 tsp into each verrine and place in the fridge for 30 minutes to set.
  2. Place a small bowl on top of the TM lid and weigh 125g of the coconut milk into it. Sprinkle the gelatin on top and set aside to soften. (There is no need to stir, just leave it to bloom and absorb the liquid.)
  3. Place the remaining coconut milk, honey and vanilla into the Thermomix bowl and cook 10 Mins/80°/Speed 3.
  4. Add the softened gelatin and stir 3 Mins/80°/Speed 3 to dissolve.
  5. Pour approximately 2 Tbsp (40ml) into each verrine and place back into the fridge to set for 2-3 hours.
  6. To make the crumb, preheat the oven to 180°C and line a large baking tray with baking paper.
  7. Place the hazelnuts into the Thermomix and chop 15 Sec/Speed 4. Set aside.
  8. Place the flour, sugar, baking powder and butter into the Thermomix and process 10 sec/speed 6 or until the mixture just resembles breadcrumbs. Add the coconut and cinnamon and the chopped nuts and process 10 sec/speed 4/Reverse or until it just comes together.
  9. Roughly crumble over the prepared baking tray and bake for 25-30 mins or until golden brown.
  10. Remove from the oven and cool before placing into the Thermomix and crumbling 5-10 Sec/Speed 4. ( Don't over crumble it, some nice crunchy bits will add dimension of texture.)
  11. Top the set verrines with 1 Tbsp crumbs and just before serving place fluffy handfuls of Persian fairy floss on top!
Notes
  1. I used 75ml Verrines here, however you could use cups or glasses.
  2. Be careful you don't put the fairy floss on too far out from serving as the moisture in the air will cause it to deflate and go sticky.
Kitch'n Thyme http://kitchnthyme.com.au/

Buckwheat Porridge with Figs & Roast Almonds

Buckwheat Porridge How gorgeous is this beautiful simple, super quick & easy breakfast! Figs are one of my favourites! I love them! And it’s fig season now and just the time to be using them in your kitchen! I got a beautiful big punnet really cheaply at my local farmers market last weekend…..I just love farmers markets.

There’s just something so wonderful buying produce straight from the farmer! It looks fresher, tastes fresher, stays fresher for longer and is mostly spray free or organic and cheaper! I love that the tops come on the beetroots (we keep them and add them into juices or cook with them!), the beets feel hard and crispy not old and wilted and soft! The silverbeet isn’t wrapped in plastic, it’s vibrant and crisp and ready to chomp on! And the herbs – they are a real size bunch of herbs! Not in teeny tiny plastic packets or a measly few sprigs in a plastic sleeve, these herbs are the real deal, about 3 or 4 times the size!

I could go on and on!!! But I digress…..back to breakfast!!!….But just go and hunt down a local farmers market when you can! Ok!

Buckwheat is a pseudo grain that I grew up on! We would probably eat this breakfast 1-2 a week. Recently it’s come into vogue and is considered a very healthy food. Related to rhubarb, buckwheat is actually the seed of a flowering plant! In some circles it isn’t considered part of a Paleo diet, but it is most definitely Gluten Free and suitable for baking and for the likes of this yummy porridge.

Being high in protein, a rich source of iron, zinc, manganese, copper, magnesium, & fiber, it has many wonderful health properties.

Instead of just typical oats for breakfast, I love to mix it up with using different grains for my family. Growing up, we used to have Millet & Polenta in much the same way. And it is thoroughly delicious also! I’ll post those recipes in another post!

So below I will give you 2 different methods. Growing up my mum didn’t have a Thermomix so I’m showing you the traditional method in the oven. I will say too that I want my children to know how to do things in the traditional methods of an oven or stove, so that they can then appreciate the Thermomix for how fast it truly is! You can also do this buckwheat on the stove, just on a gentle simmer, but you have to make sure you don’t forget it, you’ll need to stir it quite frequently!

Buckwheat - uncoookedBuckwheat cooked     

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

             

You will see above the buckwheat ready to go into the oven and then freshly cooked, straight out of the oven and ready to eat! Yum!

Buckwheat Porridge w Fresh Figs & Roasted Almonds
Serves 4
A wonderful Gluten Free alternative to Oat Porridge
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Prep Time
2 min
Cook Time
20 min
Total Time
22 min
Prep Time
2 min
Cook Time
20 min
Total Time
22 min
Ingredients
  1. 200g Raw Buckwheat Kernels
  2. 550-600g Water
  3. pinch Celtic Sea Salt
  4. 40g Maple Syrup, Honey or Coconut Flower Nectar
  5. 250g Coconut Cream, plus extra for serving
  6. 2 tsp Vanilla Essence
  7. 4-6 Fresh Figs, quartered or cut into eighths
  8. 20g Roasted Almonds, roughly chopped
Thermomix Method
  1. Place the buckwheat, water and salt into the mixing bowl of the Thermomix and cook 20 Mins/100°/Reverse/Speed 2.
  2. Add the maple, coconut cream and vanilla and cook a further 2 Mins/100°/Reverse/Speed 2.
  3. Serve with chopped fresh figs, roasted almonds and extra coconut cream.
Oven Method
  1. Preheat the oven to 180°.
  2. Lightly spray a 1.5L stoneware baking dish with olive oil. Place the buckwheat, water and sea salt in the dish.
  3. Bake for 45-60 minutes or until all the water is absorbed. If you cover with a lid or aluminium foil it will only take 30-40 minutes to cook. I don't have a lid for mine, so I just bake it without.
  4. Remove from the oven. Add the maple, coconut cream and vanilla and stir to combine.
  5. Serve with chopped fresh figs, roasted almonds and extra coconut cream.
Notes
  1. Please note, you can change the consistency of this porridge by adding more or less water, depending on the desired consistency. You can also pre-chop the grains slightly before cooking if you would like it more porridge consistency. I quite like the texture of the individual grains so I like to leave them whole.
  2. You can sub the fresh figs for fresh pairs or bananas, strawberries or any other in season fruit.
Kitch'n Thyme http://kitchnthyme.com.au/