Snacks

Salted Carob Bliss Balls

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Carob Bliss Balls3These ones are a recent creation! And they are good!

I’ve used Carob instead of Cacao. Carob is naturally sweeter than cacao and is caffeine free. It’s a great alternative to cacao and has a beautiful sweet, mellow flavour.  You can use Cacao, but I much prefer the carob in these ones, it’s just a perfect flavour with the slight saltiness.

More and more I realise how much I’m going back to my childhood. Carob was the only thing we ate, chocolate was unheard of in our house!…I know deprived! But now I think oh yum carob for a change!

Carob Bliss Balls1

I’ve used part almonds, part sunflower seeds, and I roast both of them. The almonds are easy to do in the oven on about 180° for 15 minutes and the sunflowers are easiest to toast in a frypan over medium heat until golden. You don’t have to roast them if you want them to be completely raw, but I do love the flavour of roasted nuts and seeds!

There is no added sweetener other than the dates. I love this. You could eat a couple for breakfast they are that good!

The little bit of coconut cream adds to the texture and helps bind them too.

 I love having some ready make bliss balls in the fridge at all times so there’s a quick fix snack for lunchboxes or just when there’s a hankering for something sweet.

Salted Carob Bliss Balls
Yields 18
A bliss ball good enough to eat for breakfast!
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Prep Time
2 min
Total Time
10 min
Prep Time
2 min
Total Time
10 min
Ingredients
  1. 100g Roasted Almonds
  2. 50g Toasted Sunflower Seeds
  3. 4 Medjool Dates, seeds removed
  4. 50g Coconut Oil
  5. 20g (2 Tbsp) Carob Powder
  6. 40g Coconut Cream
  7. 1 tsp Vanilla Essence or Paste
  8. 1/8 tsp Celtic Sea Salt
  9. Desiccated Coconut for rolling
Instructions
  1. Place all the ingredients into the Thermomix and process 10 Sec/Speed 6. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and process a further 10 Sec/Speed 7, or until a nice sticky crumb is achieved.
  2. Roll the mixture into balls and toss through the coconut to coat before placing into the fridge to set.
Notes
  1. If the mixture is a bit too oily to roll easily, place into the fridge to set for 30-60 mins before rolling.
Kitch'n Thyme https://kitchnthyme.com.au/

Quinoa, Roast Pumpkin & Feta Bites with Coriander Mayo

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Quinoa Pumpkin BitesOh these! Oh these! It’s not everyday that you just chuck a whole heap of stuff in a bowl and then afterwards think ‘Thank goodness I wrote that down!!!’. Normally I’m scratching my head to remember every little thing I put in so I can re-create them just as awesomely again! So this was my lucky day!

I’ve made them a couple of times since just to perfect them for you guys!…And maybe so I could eat a few more!

Last week I had to put my chef whites back on and go do a shift at the Health Retreat. It was great being back in the kitchen feeding hungry mouths and seeing the lovely guests relish the yummy food!

I made my Butter Chicken (that recipe is coming very soon- and you will not want to miss it! It’s amazing!!!) with Quinoa instead of Rice. There was a little Quinoa left over so I thought I’d bring it home and turn it into some yummy morsels! And that I certainly did!…If I say so myself!

They are DELICIOUS!!! And SOOO easy!

I’ve used ordinary breadcrumbs in the recipe but you can easily substitute them for gluten free if needed. Just sub the spelt for rice flour too.

I LOVE that they have veggies hidden in them too! They have zucchini, shallots, pumpkin and herbs! From the outside they just look like crispy yummy treats, but are full of goodness inside.

Quinoa is so nutritious! It is technically a seed, but can be used like a grain. It’s versatility is awesome! It has the perfect balance of all nine amino acids essential for human nutrition, making it a great source for added protein Along with plenty of potent antioxidants, it’s also a good source of fibre and iron.

If you’re dairy free, just leave out the feta.

If you aren’t convinced by now to go and make them then let me just tell you what makes these extra special! It’s the Coriander Mayo! It is so quick to whip up in the Thermomix and just matches the pumpkin in flavour so perfectly! 

So go make them! Go now!

Quinoa, Roast Pumpkin & Feta Bites with Coriander Mayo
Yields 50
Little protein packed morsels of yumminess! Perfect for lunchboxes, parties or snacks!
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Prep Time
40 min
Cook Time
5 min
Total Time
45 min
Prep Time
40 min
Cook Time
5 min
Total Time
45 min
Ingredients
  1. 170g White Quinoa (500g cooked)
  2. 800g Water
  3. 300g Pumpkin, peeled & diced into 1-2cm cubes
  4. 2 Tbsp Olive Oil
  5. 2 Zucchinis, chopped into 3-4cm pieces
  6. 2 Shallots, thinly sliced
  7. 100g Feta, crumbled
  8. 1/2 Bunch Coriander, finely chopped
  9. 3 Sprigs Mint, finely chopped
  10. 50g Breadcrumbs
  11. 50g Wholemeal Spelt flour
  12. 2 Organic Eggs, lightly beaten
  13. 2 tsp Celtic Sea Salt
  14. Panko breadcrumbs for shallow frying
  15. Olive Oil, Ghee, or Rice Bran oil for shallow frying
Coriander Mayo
  1. 1/2 Bunch Coriander, leaves only
  2. 1 Garlic Clove
  3. 2 Egg yolks
  4. 1 tsp Dijon Mustard
  5. 1 Tbsp Lemon Juice
  6. 1/2 -1 tsp Celtic sea salt
  7. 250g Macadamia, Light Olive, or Rice Bran Oil
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 25 minutes/Varoma/Speed 2. Remove the simmering basket and set aside to drain. Place the quinoa into a large mixing bowl.
  3. Line a large baking tray with baking paper. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the pumpkin on the tray and drizzle with the olive oil and sprinkle with some salt. Toss with your hands to coat the pumpkin thoroughly. Place into the oven to roast for 25 minutes or until just tender with a knife. (You want the pumpkin to hold together in the mix.)
  4. Place the zucchinis into the mixing bowl and chop 5 Sec/Speed 4.
  5. Place into the large mixing bowl along with all the remaining ingredients.
  6. Mix together with a flexible spatula until thoroughly combined.
  7. Heat the oil in a frying pan over medium heat. (Be careful not to overheat as you don't want the oil to smoke.) Grab small spoonfulls with your hands and push together into little rounds. Gently flatten into bite sized morsels and coat with the breadcrumbs. Pan fry on either side until golden brown before draining on absorbent paper towel.
  8. Serve warm with the coriander mayonnaise.
Coriander Mayo
  1. Place the garlic and coriander into the mixing bowl and chop 3 Sec/Speed 7. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
  2. Insert the butterfly. Add the egg yolks, mustard, lemon juice and salt and mix 20 Sec/Speed 4.
  3. With the butterfly rotating on Speed 4 and MC in place, gradually pour oil into mixing bowl lid. Add oil slowly to start with and then faster as the mayonnaise starts to emulsify. This should take around 2-3 minutes.
  4. Serve with the Quinoa Bites! Yummo!
  5. Or store in the fridge in a jar.
Notes
  1. For a Gluten Free Option: I've used ordinary breadcrumbs in the recipe but you can easily substitute them for gluten free if needed. Just sub the spelt for rice flour too.
Kitch'n Thyme https://kitchnthyme.com.au/

Date Slice (Egg Free, Nut Free)

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image

 

This delicious slice is so moreish you will be reaching for a second piece!

Another one from my childhood, I remember making this one many times! I’ve had a little play with mum’s original, but essentially its still pretty similar! It is really really simple and easy to make! Date Slice Mums

The date filling is so yummy with the little hint of lemon and vanilla. It adds such a nice dimension to this slice. I think it really makes it! I cook it in the Thermomix but if you don’t have one just cook the dates on the stove until all the water is absorbed.

The slice is egg free and nut free so a good one for school lunchboxes! Feel free to add nuts if its for home, however I don’t think it needs any! Its just delicious as is!

Date Slice
Yields 20
This deliciously moreish slice will have you reaching for a second piece!
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Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
35 min
Total Time
45 min
Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
35 min
Total Time
45 min
Ingredients
  1. 300g Pitted Dates
  2. 250ml Water
  3. 1 tsp Vanilla Essence
  4. 1/2 Lemon, zested
  5. 100g Coconut Sugar
  6. 185g Organic Butter
  7. 230g Wholemeal Spelt Flour
  8. 1/2 tsp Bicarb Soda
  9. 150g Rolled Oats
Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven to 160°C (fan-forced). Line a small rectangular slice tray with oil spray and baking paper. Set aside.
  2. Place the dates, water, vanilla and lemon zest into the Thermomix bowl and cook for 5 Mins/90°/Speed 1/Reverse. Set aside. Rinse & dry mixing bowl.
  3. Place the sugar, butter, flour and bicarb into the Thermomix bowl and bring together 20 Sec/Speed 6.
  4. Add the rolled oats and mix 5-10 Sec/Speed 5.
  5. Spread half the mixture onto the base of the prepared tin, then smooth over the reserved date mixture.
  6. Crumble the remaining slice mixture over the top, making it as even as possible. Once completely covered give it a little press down all over with your fingers.
  7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.
  8. Cut into slices or squares.
  9. Serve warm or cold with greek yoghurt! Yum!
Notes
  1. This slice keeps really well for up to a week in an airtight container.
Kitch'n Thyme https://kitchnthyme.com.au/

Feta & Walnut Meatballs

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IMG_9465MeatballsI’m pretty positive you will LOVE these meatballs!!! They make the perfect weeknight meal, or part of an elaborate Italian feast, or more simply the perfect protein hit for a quick lunch or lunchbox!

I made a bit batch of these for my friend when she had her baby earlier this year! They went down a real treat and her husband wanted the recipe…SO you’re all super lucky, because otherwise I might not have shared this favourite recipe of mine!

The walnuts just add such a lovely texture to the meatball and compliment beef in flavour so well! You could substitute other nuts with what is in your pantry though!

I do use Panko breadcrumbs sometimes for rolling….I know – Japanese & Italian! Say again?!! Yes, just this once, I’m mixing up the cuisines! These breadcrumbs are a real treat in my home! But they really do make them so yummy and crunchy on the outside! I’ve used ordinary breadcrumbs, gluten free breadcrumbs, or some crushed nuts (for Paleo) and they all work fine too! If using Panko crumbs, you may need to gently press the crumbs into the meatballs to help them stick sufficiently.

When cooking the meatballs, be really gentle when turning them over in the pan. Just gently turn them, as they may have the potential to crumble, depending on how wet your mix is. If you have cooked off the onions and veggies sufficiently, they shouldn’t fall apart though, but just be mindful of it!

You can absolutely leave the feta cheese out of them if you are dairy free or Paleo. They are still delightfully delicious without!

The sauce here, is a really quick pasta sauce. Sometime I’ll share with you my yummy-licious Roast Tomato, Garlic & Thyme Pasta Sauce! But this one is perfect for meals on the table fast! Just use whatever herbs are in your garden or what you have in the fridge! When I cook I don’t get too hung up on being exact with these things. If a recipe says 1/2 and onion, I’d chuck the whole one in! If you think some rosemary or oregano would be nice then stick it in! I’ve used both before and they are yum! Just whatever flavour hits you in the moment will work perfectly!

Enjoy!

Feta & Walnut Meatballs
Serves 4
My delicious meatballs make for the perfect dinner or for a fantastic ready-to-eat snack from the fridge! Get cooking!
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Meatballs
  1. 1 Large Red Onion
  2. 1 Clove Garlic, peeled
  3. 4 Sprigs Italian Parsley, chopped finely
  4. 2 Zucchini, cut into 3-4cm pieces
  5. 2 Carrot, cut into 3-4cm pieces
  6. 4 Tbsp Olive Oil
  7. 100g Walnuts
  8. 500g Organic Beef Mince
  9. 100g Feta, crumbled into rough pieces
  10. 1 Tbsp Italian Herbs
  11. 2 tsp Balsamic Vinegar
  12. 2 tsp Dijon Mustard
  13. 2 Tbsp Tomato Paste
  14. 2 tsp Celtic Sea Salt
  15. 100g Panko Breadcrumbs or preferred breadcrumbs
  16. Ghee or Coconut Oil for shallow frying
Quick Pasta Sauce
  1. 1 Brown Onion, halved
  2. 2 Cloves Garlic, peeled
  3. 2 Sprigs Fresh Basil
  4. 4 Sprigs Fresh Italian Parsley
  5. 2 Sprigs Fresh Thyme
  6. 50g Olive Oil
  7. 800g Organic Tinned Diced Tomatoes
  8. 1 tsp Honey
  9. 1 tsp Celtic Salt
  10. 1/2 Lemon, zested
Meatballs
  1. Place the onion, garlic, parsley and olive oil into Thermomix mixing bowl and chop 5-7 Sec/Speed 5.
  2. Heat a non-stick fry-pan over medium heat. Place 1/2 the olive oil in the pan to heat a little.(Being careful not to overheat it.)
  3. Scrape the onion mix into the pan and sauté until it starts to go golden brown and the moisture from the onions has cooked off.
  4. Place into a large mixing bowl and set aside. Leave the pan on the heat and add the remaining oil to heat.
  5. Place the zucchini and carrot into the mixing bowl and chop 10-15 Sec/Speed 4.
  6. Scrape into the pan and sauté until all the moisture has cooked off from the veggies. Add to the large mixing bowl with the onion mixture.
  7. Place the walnuts into the mixing bowl and chop 10 Sec/Speed 4, or until roughly chopped and add to the large mixing bowl.
  8. Add all the remaining ingredients and mix well to combine.
  9. Roll the mixture into tablespoon sized balls before rolling in the breadcrumbs. You may need to gently press the panko crumbs into the meatballs so they stick sufficiently.
  10. Heat a large non-stick frypan over medium heat with the ghee or oil, and cook in batches, turning frequently, for about 4 minutes, or until golden brown all over. Please take when turning the meatballs, they need to be handled with care.
  11. Remove from the heat and serve with tomato pasta sauce, fresh zucchini or parsnip pasta or traditional spaghetti.
Quick Pasta Sauce
  1. Place onion, garlic, herbs and olive oil into the mixing bowl and chop 5 Sec/Speed 5. Scrape down the sides of mixing bowl and sauté 7 Mins/120°/Speed 1.
  2. Add the tomatoes, honey, salt and lemon zest and cook 20 Mins/100°/Speed 2.
  3. Serve hot over the meatballs.
Kitch'n Thyme https://kitchnthyme.com.au/

Gluten Free Lemon & Lavender Cupcakes

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Lemon & Lavender Cupcakes

Some of you may remember last year I showed you a wedding cake I’d done for our close friends! Well the top layer for the bride and groom was this gorgeous Gluten Free Lemon & Lavender! Well I’m going to share them with you just in time for Mothers Day! These beautiful cakes are an absolute hit!! Gluten Free….but not gluten free with that horrible connotation of dry, and gritty and a very distinctive taste! This is Gluten Free with deliciousness and perhaps what someone wouldn’t even realise was gluten free unless told! It’s an absolute winner for the Gluten Free’s out there and just those that are cutting back on gluten and would like an alternative!

I mean you’ve got to try it!!! I’ve done this batter over the last few years as larger cakes for weddings with a gorgeous White Chocolate & Lavender Ganache in the layers (like that of my friends)! Oh yum!! I’ve done it like this in little cupcakes for smaller gatherings like baby showers and a Bridal Shower and it never ceases to delight!

Lavender is so amazing in food! I absolutely love it! You’ll see me use it a fair bit! I’ve got a few recipes to put up that use it, like my Lavender Icecream ( I developed it when I studied as a Chef) etc! Stay tuned!

I always use Guar Gum in my Gluten Free baking. It comes from the Guar Bean. Xantham gum is typically used, however it can come from a variety of sources including corn, wheat, dairy or soy, so I find guar a more reliable source for gluten free.

I’m going to give you two different versions. My classic version is made with buttermilk and butter, and finished with a buttercream icing however I’ve tweaked it so that they can be made to suit those that are Lactose & Casein intolerant by replacing the buttermilk with coconut cream and the butter with ghee. The ghee is still a ‘dairy’ product, however if made correctly the lactose and casein which often are the allergenic properties of dairy products, have been removed, making it suitable for some. If you are truly dairy intollerent, then use a dairy free alternative to ghee. The Lactose & Casein free version is really yummy, but the crumb is a touch firmer than the original. I’ve also used a whipped Coconut Cream Frosting on the top. It is yummy and creamy, different in texture to my buttercream, however is sure to delight those that can’t have butter!

Lemon & Lavender Cupcakes 2

Buttermilk has an amazing effect on baked goods. When combined with baking soda, it helps to add more moisture, giving a more tender final product, making it perfect to use in gluten free baking where we really need that extra moisture and tenderness!

I absolutely love butter! We go through so much butter in my house! The classic version also uses butter. There are so many amazing health benefits to butter, which I’ll talk all about more in another post! You will notice that I use regular salted butter in the frosting. I always have done this as that touch of salt adds extra flavour.

These cupcakes still have some organic raw sugar in them, so they are what we term a treat in our house! You can successfully replace this in either version with coconut palm sugar and it is very yummy, but you lose the creamy colour and end up with a more brown crumb and a little less intense lavender flavour.

Lemon & Lavender Gluten Free Cupcakes
Yields 12
Exquisite gluten free Lemon & Lavender cupcakes that are sure to delight any mum on Mothers Day!
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Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
20 min
Total Time
30 min
Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
20 min
Total Time
30 min
Ingredients
  1. 125g Buttermilk or Coconut Cream
  2. 1 1/2 Tbsp Dried Culinary Lavender
  3. 125g Organic Butter or Ghee
  4. 130g Brown Rice
  5. 60g Potato Starch
  6. 30g Tapioca Starch
  7. 1/2 tsp Guar Gum
  8. 1 1/2 tsp Baking Powder (Aluminium Free)
  9. 150g Organic Raw Sugar or Coconut Sugar
  10. 2 Large Organic Eggs
  11. 1/2 Lemon, zested
  12. 1/2 tsp Vanilla Essence
Traditional Buttercream
  1. 200g Organic Raw Sugar
  2. 75g Organic Butter
  3. 4 Drops Food Grade Lavender Essential Oil (I use Young Living)
  4. 5-10 drops Hoppers Natural Purple Food Colouring
Coconut Frosting
  1. 1 Can Coconut Cream
  2. 1 Tbsp Honey or Maple Syrup
  3. 4 Drops Food Grade Lavender Essential Oil (I use Young Living)
  4. 15-20 drops Hoppers Natural Purple Food Colouring
Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C.
  2. Place the buttermilk (or coconut cream) and lavender into the mixing bowl of the Thermomix and heat 5 Mins/50°/Speed 2.
  3. Strain the buttermilk through a fine sieve, pushing the lavender into the sieve with the back of a spoon to extract as much of the flavour and oils out of the lavender into the milk. Discard the strained lavender seeds. Set aside & rinse the mixing bowl.
  4. Place the butter (or ghee) into the mixing bowl and melt 1-2 Min/50°/Speed 2. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and add the butter to the lavender buttermilk. Rinse and thoroughly dry the mixing bowl.
  5. Place the rice into the mixing bowl and mill 2 Mins/Speed 9. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add the potato starch, tapioca, guar gum and baking powder and mix together 10 Sec/Speed 6. Set aside.
  6. Place the raw sugar or coconut sugar into the mixing bowl and mill 10 Sec/Speed 9.
  7. Add the eggs, lemon rind and vanilla and cream together 20 Sec/Speed 4.
  8. Add the flour mixture and buttermilk/butter (or coconut milk/ghee) mixture, in three additions, beginning and ending with flour, gently combining approx. 3-5 Sec/Speed 3-4 after each addition or until just combined. Be careful not to over mix the batter.
  9. Fill 12 x 1/3 cup sized paper cupcake cups 2/3 full with batter and place onto a baking tray.
  10. Bake for 20 minutes or until a skewer inserted comes out clean. If the skewer is just about clean, you can pull them out, as the residual heat will cook them through. You don't want to overcook them! Leave to cool completely on a wire rack before icing.
Buttercream Icing
  1. Place the sugar into the mixing bowl and mill 20 Sec/Speed 9.
  2. Add the remaining ingredients and whip 30 Sec/Speed 4.
  3. Place into a piping bag fitted with desired nozzle and pipe onto cooled cakes and lightly sprinkle with extra dried lavender.
Coconut Frosting (Dairy Free)
  1. Place the unopened can of coconut cream upside down in the fridge and leave to chill overnight. Turn back over and pop the top of the coconut cream can and scoop out the firm thick cream into the mixing bowl. (About half way down you will reach a more watery coconut liquid. Save that liquid for smoothies etc in a sealed jar in the fridge.)
  2. Add the remaining ingredients and whip 20-30 Sec/Speed 4.
  3. Place into a piping bag fitted with desired nozzle and pipe onto cooled cakes and lightly sprinkle with extra dried lavender.
Kitch'n Thyme https://kitchnthyme.com.au/

Healthy Chewy Anzac Biscuits

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Anzac BiscuitsThis is my beautiful traditional yet healthy take on the famous Anzac biscuit! It also has special meaning to me as I’m sure it did to my grandad (pictured) who served in the First World War.

My Great Grandad Raymond Wenban served on the Western Front in France. At the age of 22 he joined the army to serve as a Medic in one of the largest battles of World War 1. The Battle of the Somme on the Western Front in France against the Germans was one of the bloodiest battles in history where over 1,000,000 soliders were either wounded or killed.

My great grandfather was an amazing man during this battle where he nursed many many men to their death and some back to health. He even nursed many Germans also.

Being right in the line of fire as a medic it was a miracle that he came home alive! For his service he received 4 medals that are dear to my family….the family like me, that wouldn’t be here without him today!

He was a wonderful man with an amazing sense of humour and a light hearted spirit! He lived to the ripe old age of 97!

I could go on and on, but the story behind the Anzac biscuit is a special one. These biscuits first appeared in 1914 when a homemaker journal published a recipe that used the newly developed golden syrup as a preservative. This enabled the biscuits to be transported to the European battlefronts and arrive fresh, even after 6 weeks at sea! How amazing!

I wonder if my great grandfather was lucky enough to get some of these cookies sent all the way from home! I wish I had been able to ask him! Nevertheless they would have been very precious I am sure to those soldiers who did receive them from home!

I’ve used coconut nectar as a replacement for the golden syrup but you can use honey or maple syrup if vegan or even rice malt syrup.

You can make them gluten free by using gluten free oats and gluten free flour too.

They are crispy on the outside and chewy in the middle! Yum!

So enjoy these gorgeous cookies as we celebrate and remember all the amazing men and women who sacrificed their lives for the amazing country in which we live today!

LEST WE FORGET!

Healthy Traditional Anzac Biscuits (Spelt & Naturally Sweetened)
Yields 18
These are my version of a chewy traditional Anzac biscuit. Naturally sweetened, wholemeal spelt, egg free, nut free.
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Prep Time
5 min
Cook Time
10 min
Total Time
15 min
Prep Time
5 min
Cook Time
10 min
Total Time
15 min
Ingredients
  1. 75g Organic Butter, cubed
  2. 1 Tbsp Water
  3. 2 Tbsp Coconut Flour Nectar or Honey
  4. 1 tsp Bicarb Soda
  5. 75g Wholemeal Spelt Flour
  6. 1 tsp Baking Powder (Aluminium Free)
  7. 90g Rolled Oats
  8. 100g Rapadura Sugar
  9. 50g Desiccated Coconut
Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven to 180°.
  2. Line 2 large baking trays with baking paper.
  3. Place the butter, water and coconut nectar into the mixing bowl and cook 3 Mins/90°/Speed 2.
  4. Add the bicarb and mix 5 Sec/Speed 3.
  5. Add all the remaining ingredients and process 10 Sec/Reverse/Speed 4.
  6. Roll tablespoons of dough into balls and place on prepared trays allowing for spreading.
  7. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until golden brown.
  8. Cool for 5 minutes on the trays before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
  1. You can substitute the coconut flour nectar for honey, maple syrup or rice malt syrup.
Kitch'n Thyme https://kitchnthyme.com.au/

Chocolate Almond Milk

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Choco Almond Milk
 I love this!!…We love this! My little family loves it! It’s so delicious and SO easy to make! So perfect for a birthday party where either your family or your guests are dairy free. Or even if not dairy free, why not mix things up and do something different to normal dairy milk. Nuts are full of good fats, protein and good carbohydrates and make up part of a balanced diet. Also, regular bought junky chocolate flavoured milks are full of all sorts of rubbish, including preservatives, additives, colours, flavours, and refined sugars! I just love that this milk is only sweetened with a little maple syrup and is completely free of all the junk! It’s real food!

If you are concerned about the caffeine content in the raw cacao powder, consider replacing it with carob powder! Yum!

I served something similar to these at my son’s 1st birthday party! I added coconut milk which made it that little bit thicker and creamier. You can do that if you like, but honestly this milk is just perfect as is!

20 - Choc Coconut Milks

I designed a Vintage Hot Air Balloons party for him and it was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! You can see a little bit of the cake in the picture above that I made, yes its got that sugary icing and all, but cake decorating is one of my ‘other’ little things I like to dabble in for the creativeness!….And my son hadn’t had any gluten, dairy or sugar before he was 1, so his cake was the basket, it was a GF, DF, chocolate cake, sweetened with a little honey! He LOVED it!! But more on parites in another post!!!

Choco Almond Milk w Dino Cookies

I made some of this milk last week along with these dinosaur cookies! Aren’t they just gorgeous! They are a Spelt Choc Chip, Cranberry & Macadamia cookie (my husbands favourite!) – I’ll get to the recipe soon! My little boy who is now 2 1/2 thought it was Christmas!

You can make my pure Almond Milk here.

Chocolate Almond Milk
Yields 1
Dairy-free Almond Milk turned into guilt-free Chocolate Milk! Perfect in smoothies, with cookies or for parties!
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Ingredients
  1. 170g (1 Cup) Raw Almonds
  2. 1 Tbsp Coconut Oil
  3. 1 1/2 tsp Vanilla Essence
  4. ½ tsp Celtic Sea Salt
  5. 1 L Filtered Water
  6. 3 Tbsp Maple Syrup
  7. 2 Tbsp Raw Cacao Powder
Instructions
  1. Place the almonds into a bowl, cover with filtered water and leave to soak overnight (or for at least 12 hours).
  2. Drain the almonds and place into the bowl of the Thermomix and mill 7-10 Sec/Speed 9.
  3. Add the oil, vanilla, salt and water & blend 1 minute/Speed 9.
  4. Strain the milk through a nut milk bag or muslin cloth. Keep the almond pulp for throwing into cookies, cakes, biscuits etc. (You can freeze it to save for use another day too!)
  5. Pour the almond milk back into the mixing bowl and add the maple syrup and cacao. Blend 5 Sec/Speed 7.
  6. Refrigerate until chilled, then shake well before serving.
Notes
  1. Pure Almond Milk recipe here: Almond Milk
  2. Will keep in the fridge for approx. 3 days.
Kitch'n Thyme https://kitchnthyme.com.au/

Raw Salted Macadamia Caramel

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Raw Salted Maca Cara 4I was driving home recently dreaming of this delicious date caramel I’d had at my friends house a couple of years ago! I didn’t have her recipe, so I came home and decided to have a play around. I wanted something with macadamias as they just lend themselves so perfectly to something so creamy and dreamy!

I also had the idea initially of making more of a sweet dip, but then my thoughts drifted to Maca powder and it’s wonderful caramel tones.  Maca powder is a great source of vitamins, energy boosting properties, has benefits for the skin, helps to increase energy, and helps with womens & mens health & reproductive health. I love chucking it into foods when I can!

So here is the result! Icky, sticky, goopy, mouth- watering, finger -licking goodness! I can guarantee you won’t be able to resist going in for a second spoonful! I gave the recipe to my best friend Jessie of Desperate Healthwives who made it straight away and thought she’d died and gone to heaven! Ha! And I must admit she took the above photo! It’s just so beautiful I had to use it!

Apples are of course the classic combo with caramel however you can use whatever fruit you desire! Apples, pears, bananas, strawberries etc all work beautifully!  You’ve all seen those caramel apples in the supermarket – sugar upon sugar! This is a little different, but we works so well and is such a wonderful alternative with only a little maple syrup to sweeten. You could reduce the maple or use honey or rice malt syrup. I tend not to be a big promoter of rice malt syrup as its so highly processed. I’ll talk more on sugars in another blog post.

Raw Salted Maca Cara 2
It’s absolutely perfect just freshly made and dipped into! However, look at what happens after you’ve left it in the fridge for a little while! Gorgeous and firmer in texture it becomes more like a spread! There is something about this that I just love! It’s smooth and rich and you can use your chosen fruit as the perfect little implement to scrape up the perfect amount! So try both ways and see which you love you the most!

 

Raw Salted Macadamia Caramel
Oooey gooey raw nut caramel for dipping freshly cut fruit into!
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Total Time
2 min
Total Time
2 min
Ingredients
  1. 150g Raw Macadamias
  2. 2 - 3 Medjool Dates
  3. 60g (4 Tbsp) Coconut Oil
  4. 40g (2 Tbsp) Maple Syrup
  5. 1 tsp Vanilla Essence
  6. 1 tsp Maca Powder
  7. 1/8 tsp Celtic Sea Salt
Instructions
  1. Place the macadamias into the bowl of the Thermomix and mill 6 Sec/Speed 9.
  2. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and process for 10 Sec/Speed 4.
  3. Scrape down the sides again and process a further 30-40 Sec/Speed 6 or until a nice nut butter consistency forms.
  4. Add all the remaining ingredients and process 40 Sec/Speed 6-7.
  5. Serve with freshly chopped fruit such as apples, pears, strawberries, bananas etc.
  6. For a firmer texture, you can place it into the fridge for approx. 30 mins or until set firm.
Notes
  1. You can easily turn this into a Chocolate Version too by adding 2 Tbsp of Raw Cacao Powder in with all the other ingredients. Yum!
Kitch'n Thyme https://kitchnthyme.com.au/

Orange Cinnamon & Coconut ‘Hot Cross Bun’ Chocolates

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Hot Cross Bun Chocolates

I just had to do something really chocolatey for Easter!! I can’t help myself creating! I wonder if there is some name for that problem! haha

These are really simple to make! You will need my Coconut Butter for these!

Hot Cross Bun Chocolates 2

And it’s a bit kitch with the crosses but how cute! Dont’ they just look adorable!

All grain free, dairy free and refined sugar free! Enjoy!

Orange Cinnamon & Coconut 'Hot Cross Bun' Chocolates
Yields 14
These are a cheeky little chocolate take off of a Hot Cross Bun! With lovely Cinnamon & Orange Easter flavours that are sure to delight! You'll need my Coconut Butter to make these!
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Chocolates
  1. 200g Coconut Butter
  2. 3 Tbsp Coconut Cream
  3. 2 tsp Maple Syrup
  4. 20g Orange Juice
  5. 1 tsp Orange Zest
  6. 1/4 tsp Cinnamon
  7. 100g Organic Dark Chocolate (70%)
Crosses
  1. 50g Coconut Butter
  2. 2 tsp Maple Syrup
  3. 3 Tbsp Coconut Cream
Instructions
  1. To make the chocolates place all the ingredients except for the chocolate into the mixing bowl and mix 10 Sec/Speed 4.
  2. Place into the fridge for 30 mins -1 hour to chill. Once chilled sufficiently, roll the mix into 14 even small bit sized balls.
  3. Break the chocolate into small pieces and mill 10 Sec/Speed 9. Then melt the chocolate 2 Mins/50°/Speed 2, scraping down the sides of the bowl closer to the finish time.
  4. Pour into a shallow bowl and dip the chocolates one at a time into the chocolate to thoroughly coat, before placing onto a baking paper lined rack or tray to set. You can place them in the fridge to set a bit quicker.
  5. Once the chocolates are set, place the coconut butter, maple and coconut cream into the Thermomix and mix 10 Sec/Speed 3-4.
  6. Place into a piping bag fitted with a plain nozzle and pipe little crosses on the chocolates. Place back into the fridge to completely set, then transfer into an airtight container.
Notes
  1. I couldn't find all my piping bags when I made these, so I popped the icing into a little glad bag and cut a little hole off one corner and used that to pipe the crosses! Little more rustic but still works a treat!
  2. Don't forget you'll need my Coconut Butter to make these!
Kitch'n Thyme https://kitchnthyme.com.au/

Hazelnut & Cacao Nib Bliss Balls

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imageThis beautiful bliss ball recipe came about recently when I was going to make my Paleo Chocolate Mango Tart. I had planned to make a batch of bliss balls that day also. The filling for the tart was sitting in the Thermomix and upon a second glance I all of a sudden had a ‘uh huh’ moment! This would make the perfect start to some delightful bliss balls! Yummo! So the whole tart went immediately out the window! Well thankfully, not really! I added a few more things to the mix and by golly it was delicious!

I add a few medjool dates and almond meal, along with the cacao nibs which add a gorgeous crunch to each bite, and a lovely bitterness!image

For the bliss balls I’ve reduced the maple syrup a little to 80g instead of 120g in the tart filling, as I like them to be more of an energy pick me up rather than an actual treat! I’m not a big sweet tooth, so I don’t mind it a little richer. It’s up to you.

You can also add in a protein powder to give them an extra protein kick for a post workout snack or for busy mums and breastfeeding mums! They are a little more fudgey with the protein powder. Try both and see which you prefer.

I then roll them in roasted hazelnuts! I love hazelnuts with chocolate or carob. (You can definitely use carob powder for these too!) They are just so good with the extra crunch on the outside! You could leave them with no coating or use coconut perhaps.

Hazelnut & Cacao Nib Bliss Balls
Yields 50
Crunchy, nutty, creamy bliss balls! Almost a little Ferrero rocher like!
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Ingredients
  1. 140g Roasted Hazelnuts
  2. 80g Coconut Oil
  3. 80g Coconut Milk
  4. 80g Maple Syrup
  5. 50g Raw Cacao Powder
  6. 1 tsp Vanilla Essence
  7. pinch salt
  8. 200g Almond Meal
  9. 4 Medjool Dates
  10. 40g Cacao Nibs
  11. 100g Protein Powder (optional)
Instructions
  1. To make the filling, place 60g of the hazelnuts into the Thermomix and mill 10 Sec/Speed 9.
  2. Add the oil, milk, maple, cacao powder, vanilla, salt and dates and cook 2 Mins/50°/Speed 3.
  3. Add the almond meal & cacao nibs (& protein powder if using) and process 10 Sec/Speed 4-5/Reverse.
  4. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to chill. Once chilled the mixture will be much easier to roll.
  5. Place the remaining 80g hazelnuts into the Thermomix and chop 15-20 Sec/Speed 4.
  6. Place into a shallow bowl for rolling. Take small spoonfuls of the chilled mixture and roll into balls. Finish by rolling in the hazelnut crumbs and refrigerate until firm.
Notes
  1. My original version didn't have protein powder in them, however you can add it if you want to boost the protein content. They are a little more fudgey in texture with the protein!
Kitch'n Thyme https://kitchnthyme.com.au/