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Strawberry and Vanilla Valentines Cake
I think there is nothing more thoughtful than appreciating those around us by baking something delicious for them! After all, when we offer a sweet treat, people are more likely to reciprocate with sweetness. Moreover, nowadays Valentine’s, being celebrated today, is not just a lover’s holiday and we seem to be taking our cue from the US, where it is celebrated by everyone: children send Valentine cards to their parents and teachers, friends treat each other to gifts and even co-workers celebrate Valentine’s together and express gratitude for those around them. There is something more romantic and touching about baking a cake for Valentine’s than, for example, individual muffins. The thought of sharing a cake brings everyone together. When it is freshly baked, even before they see it, guests are greeted by the aroma that is only unique to baking.
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When vol au vents take centre stage
Vol au vents are easy to make and even easier when you use the ready made packs that are precooked. Valentine’s is a day for entertaining and this is a perfect option for a starter or a little nibble served with drinks.
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Chocolate beetroot cupcakes, a healthier Valentine treat
Cup cakes should be fluffy and light. The bulk of processed sugar and the flavour and consistency of butter is often needed to achieve the right consistency in cakes. The recipe can also be used to make a whole cake.
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Black Forest Smoothie Bowl to share
Smoothie Bowls are a way to boost healthy eating and nutrition all around.
Instead of drinking a smoothie, it ca really replace a meal as they are Delicious filling and nutritious.
You need one high speed blender and some frozen fruit usually to include a banana. If you do not like banana swap with avocado, cannelini beans or frozen zucchini for a similar creamy texture.’
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Crustless vegetable and ricotta pie with Maltese Gbejna
‘This ‘pie’ is so incredibly quick to make. It is literally an all in one and the ground oats give it a great texture and absorb the liquid that the raw vegetables release to give it body and remove any hint of sogginess. Serve warm or cold, so incredibly delicious and packed with vegetables. It is quick and easy to prepare and economical and has been one of the most favourite recipes of this year’
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Carrot Coconut Curry Soup using 7 simple ingredients
This soup is a great warm up during these cold chilly days. It is one of those budget meals that you can make very quickly and the taste improves the day after making it.
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Making a cup of thick old-fashioned hot chocolate [the healthy way]
In the middle of a cold winter, there is nothing more welcome that a cup of hot chocolate. The old fashioned thick chocolate you usually find served in smaller cups around the Continent is ideal to give a sense of warmth and satisfy the longing for comfort food and sweet cravings that the cold weather usually brings with it.
And there is a way to achieve that luscious thickness and keep a fairly healthy luxurious hot chocolate at the same time. I would say this recipe makes ad rich and creamy hot chocolate without the addition of cream and it is delicious’
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Baked baby zucchini stuffed with ricotta [6 ingredients, gluten free]
I use small Zucchini [Qarabali/marrows], round mini ones that I harvested this week. Here is the shrub and we ate these vegetables literally within a couple of hours from when they were harvested. You cannot get much fresher than that !
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Healthy breakfast for two – celebrating Valentine’s Day
I made a breakfast bowl for 2 on tv this week because it is the meal we tend to skip and breakfast that gives such a good boost in terms of energy levels that lasts all day when the right ingredients are chosen.
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5 ingredient Baked Sweet Potato and Tuna Patties [diabetic friendly, gluten free, lactose free]
I wanted to start the year on a healthy note. I also decided to publish recipes that only use common and economical ingredients, and that also use as few ingredients as possible.
New year is for new beginnings and if making more healthy choices is one of your resolutions this month, then these patties are the answer for a quick, healthy meal or even to take to work with you.
