You know, I never really understood the whole peanut butter and jelly thing. It just didn’t really seem like two things that would go together. Maybe it had something to do with the fact that being allergic to nuts meant that I had no idea what peanut butter was like. Or because being in England, I had a completely different idea about what jelly was. It took me a while to realise the whole thing was actually about jam! But since making my own free from butter, I’m obsessed with this strange combo!
Orange Cranberry Stove Top Granola
I love granola. I think it’s fair to say that it’s one of my favourite things. With a splash of milk, on top of yogurt, or even eaten straight out of the jar (my preferred way!). As much as I enjoy eating it, my absolute favourite thing about it has to be making it. Experimenting with new recipes and flavours, creating something different every time.
With this recipe I’ve not only tried new flavours but have also made the whole thing in a completely new way. Traditionally granola is baked in the oven allowing it to go crispy and crunchy. But after my oven broke down (boo hoo!), I was left without granola for such a long time. That’s how this little experiment came about.
Basic Porridge
I don’t think you can beat a big bowl of freshly cooked creamy, hot porridge on a dark winter morning. It warms you up, gets you ready for the cold day ahead and leaves you feeling all warm and cosy. I remember eating porridge every weekend at my grandparent’s house; thick, chunky and piled high with crunchy sugar. I would always pretend that I was Goldilocks stealing someone else’s bowl until I found the perfect one that was just right.
My love for porridge never wavered and it’s still my go to breakfast during autumn and winter. I love experimenting with new flavours and adapting it in every way that I can. But, although I enjoy trying new and different flavours (banana and date is my favourite at the moment) I can’t help thinking back to my childhood favourite. I think that sometimes you need to go back to basics and have it the old traditional way.
Super Chunky Gluten Free Granola – That Actually Tastes Good
I’m just gonna say it. I’m completely in love with granola. I mean seriously, what’s not to love?? It’s crunchy, full of flavour and packed full of tasty goodness. To me, that’s nothing but a winner. But, I’ve always found it so hard to buy shop bought granola. It seemed that they were always stuffed with nuts which honestly isn’t ideal when you’re allergic to them.
It did seem that there were a few out there which were nut less, but honestly, they were more than likely not very nice. Bland, tasteless or just full of rubbish. It was quite a mission to find something which was tasty, and not packed full of sugar. And I know I’m just being picky… but I just do not like raisins, which they ALL seemed to be full of. Even if there’s only one it ruins the whole thing for me. I know, I know, I’m just awkward, what can I say?
Date Caramel
I’ve recently discovered a love for dates. They’re sticky, sweet and completely delicious! They have a subtle, caramel-like flavour which I find completely irresistible. They’re a fairly new discovery of mine, but I really can’t get enough. I don’t know what took me so long to try them, but I’m seriously in love.
It all started around Christmas. I was looking for festive flavours and new ingredients to use to make some goodies. That’s when I came across dates. I’d only ever used dried dates in baking, like in my yummy bread (fruit tea loaf) recipe. But absolutely loved the flavours that they created.
So, when I got a pack of fresh, plump medjool dates, (which I heard were the best), I couldn’t wait to have a taste. I was shocked at how big and juicy they looked, as I always thought of them as shrivelled, sticky old fruit. But they were so good! They were full of flavour and surprisingly moreish.