Healthy Blueberry Bran Muffins

At the moment everyone seems to be going crazy for the 5:2 diet. This recipe featured in The Times magazine a few weeks ago amongst a collection of 'under 300 calorie' recipes. I was amazed that they more or less have no fat in them, and it is the curdling of the milk that makes the liquid thicker. I decided to give these a go for a snack to see how they worked out and they were really delicious! The blueberries help to keep them moist, and considering they are only 150 calories each - they're pretty good! Give them a go!

Recipe: (Makes 10)

- 200ml skimmed milk

- Juice of half a lemon

- 150g of plain flour

- 100g self-raising flour

- 1 tbsp of oat bran (I used wheat bran)

- 2 tsp baking powder

- 1/2 tsp bicarbonate of soda

- pinch of salt

- 50g muscovado sugar

- 1 tbsp runny honey

- 1 egg

- 2 good handfulls of blueberries

How to make:

- Combine the milk and the lemon juice together in a jug and leave for 5 minutes to rest. Preheat the oven to 180c and line a muffin tray with cases.

- Mix together all of the dry igrediants together in a large bowl. Add the honey and the egg to the milk and whisk with a fork until combined, then add to the dry mixture.

- Mix until it comes together and then fold in the blueberries. Spoon the mixture in to the muffin try and pop in the oven.

- Bake for around 18-20 minutes until they are golden on top and a skewer comes out clean.

 - Then enjoy! These muffins can also be enjoyed as a pudding if you add some ice cream or a dollop of yoghurt! 

 Enjoy 

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Spinach, Ginger and Berry Green Smoothie

I was lucky to get a fantastic Kitchen aid blender for Christmas, which now means I can make smoothies! I have made all kind of smoothies but I particularly like this green one, even thought my recipe changes all the time depending on what I have to hand! I like to pop my smoothie in to a bowl and top with fruit and granola- makes a healthy snack!

Recipe: (Makes 3 glasses)

- Mixed frozen berries (I use Waitrose Love life berry smoothie mix)

- Thumb size piece of ginger

- Good glug of Coconut water or Almond milk

- 2 large handfuls of spinach

How to make:

- Quite simply blend all of the ingredients in your blender until smooth - easy as that! 

 Enjoy 

xXx

Fruit and Nut Chocolate Drops

I haven't done a post since last year as I have been busy completing a professional wine course, but I am back and ready to give you a wonderful recipe for some homemade choccies!

I made these a lot at Christmas to give to friends as presents, they are so versatile and easy to make. You can change any of the ingredients to what you have available, and they look great too which is always a plus!

How to make: (makes about 24)

- 200g Good quality Dark or Milk chocolate

- Roasted Pistachios

- Mixed roasted nuts

- Dried Cranberries

- Other dried fruits

- Pinch of salt

(You can use any kind of nuts or dried fruit that you like)

Recipe: 

- Start by chopping up your nuts and dried fruit in to smaller pieces and arrange on a plate so you have them ready to use.

- Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Then melt the chocolate over a pan of boiling water (or in the microwave if you prefer). Leave to cool slightly.

- Drop spoonfuls of the melted chocolate on to the lined trays and then sprinkle over a little salt on each drop. Drop the chopped nuts and fruit on top and then leave to set in the fridge- about an hour should set them.

- I put the chocolate drops in to clear bags and tied them with a bow- perfect for a present at any time of year!

* You don't have to use fruit and nuts at all, I have used mini marshmallows, chopped up chocolate bars and sprinkles on them which work great too. 

Photo how to:

Enjoy! 

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