Bread of Life!

I spend alot of my time reading other food blogs. I read them like other people read newspapers or magazines, like every day. I find joy in being transported to their kitchen through stories, amusement in their anecdotes of their lifestyle and excitement in seeing the recipe unfold in pictures. There are so many food blogs out there these days, compared to when I first started blogging and many people had never even heard the word blog! However, certain ones stand out for me and keep me coming back over and over for uniqueness, creativity and breaking of boundaries. What I mean is, there are a million recipe blogs out there with the same recipe for raw cheesecake or a green smoothie. I mean I want something new, exciting, something that has sprouted from the writers own depth of imagination and deep passion of food and flavour. I admire some of the writers who I follow, and feel it essential for my work/play/passion to share, support and inspire one anothers own unique style and creativity. I like good food blogs, ones which break the mould and give something new and exciting to keep me believing that what I do is not so crazy! If the only people who understood how my brain works in terms of making food were these other bloggers, then that would be ok, because in the world of wholefoods, sometimes you can seem like a real weirdo to Mr normal on the street. Bless him, he has his passions too but I am grateful for these creative foodies out there who obviously think in a similar way to me. They remind me daily that doing what I do is amazing and cool!

I love the amazing photography on these sites, something I have decided this week that I am going to dedicate some of my time to learning. Through these pictures, I am transported into their kitchens, feeling the movements going into their dishes and get a slice of their lives through image. I love that. The stories which always make me smile, often relaying similar situations that I find myself in in my own kitchen, help me remember that cooking is a labour of love. We mess it up sometimes but we always mean well. The end result, the recipe, often simple but with the authors own twist that turns it special. Inspiring ingredients. Interesting facts. Colour, no beige-white food here. And always good for us, be it through being filled with superfoods or simply love-filled comfort food. Ok, I admit it. I'm a foodie who thinks, breathes, reads and eats good food every day and it makes me one very happy girl. I'm glad I chose food as my life passion and not base jumping or something, I'm glad I get to practice my passion multiple times a day!


So here's the story behind this post. One of my most favourite food blogs is My New Roots written by Sarah Britton. If you haven't ever looked at her site then you are in for a real treat.. Write off the rest of the day and put your feet up with a cup of tea and get stuck in! Now she recently caused a real stir on her site when she posted her recipe for her 'Life changing Loaf of bread'. 'How can a loaf of bread be life-changing?' I thought as I read her in depth post and instructions on what, seemed to have certainly been for her, life changing. It sounded good and interesting, so I gave it a go. Well, let me tell you it actually has changed my life, in a very good way too. Not only is her bread recipe super easy, quick and uses ingredients I always have in my pantry, it actually tastes a million times better than any other bread I have ever made. On top of that, my lovely partner, who loves my food but is always the first to let me know if something is not, in his mind, as good as a more traditional version, loves this bread as much as I do! Now that is saying something. I can throw this loaf together in 5 minutes, let it sit for a few hours before popping it in the oven and its good to go. And, as you will read when you read her post, it makes the best toast ever. Ever.

Bread to me has to be more than just bread. I like my bread full of stuff! Seeds, nuts, gimme texture and bite! Who ever thought that making bread as light and soft and white was the way forward. I received an amusing email from a friend of mine who is traveling South America at the moment, who said that all they want to feed her is said white fluff bread. 'The whiter the better' it seemed, she said. I hope that one day they will come to realise that refining their grains as much as possible is not only crazy from an economical perspective, but also health and taste related! Luckily, in Europe we seem to have mastered the art of making good quality artisan breads, using many different grains and other ingredients. I like my bread to be the kind that you could eat completely on its own with no topping, if you wished, full of texture and flavour.

For Sarahs recipe for her Life changing loaf of bread, look it up on her beautiful blog. Taking inspiration from her recipe, I wanted to try out making a raw bread. I'd tried making some raw breads before, but they were never very, urm, bread-like. More like chewy raw crackers. Not very convincing, Geoff would not approve let put it that way ; ) Here, I have basically taken Sarahs recipe and made a few very small changes before dehydrating it sliced up rather than baking. You can, as I often also do however make this same recipe and bake it. Dehydrated, it is dense, seedy, the perfect accompaniment to a raw soup or some raw dips or lathered with tahini and honey. Baked, I love it warm from the oven topped with ghee or coconut oil, or spread with my pesto and sliced avocado. Either way, its been a winner in our house and I am feeling excited about sharing this recipe with you now!

Thank you Sarah for changing our lives through a loaf of bread. May my Bread of Life fill your days with new inspiration and your bellies with healthful bliss!

Bread of Life

Makes 1 medium loaf

150g rolled oats (or almond flour if you want to make this totally raw and gluten-free)

90g flax seeds

135g sunflower seeds

90g Pumpkin seeds

2 tbsp chia seeds

4 tbsp psyllium husk powder

1 tsp sea salt

370ml water

3 tbsp Olive oil

1tbsp runny honey/sweet freedom syrup/maple syrup

In a large bowl, mix together the first seven dry ingredients. Measure out the water and add the oil and honey/syrup into the water. Using your hands, gradually mix the wet ingredients with the dry, until a ball forms. Press the dough into a silicon loaf tin or loaf tin lined with clingfilm. Leave for at least half an hour or up to overnight for the psyllium to swell. When ready to dry your loaf, press it out of the tin (it should come out easily) and using a large sharp knife, cut into slices 3/4 cm thick. Lay the slices onto a dehydrator mesh and dry at 42deg C for 6-8 hours (I do mine overnight) until dry but still bendy. If you do not have a dehydrator, you can lay the slices on a baking tray and dry in your oven on lowest temperature until dry (will take much less time and not be strictly 'raw'). You can then put all the slices back together and wrap up in clingwrap as a loaf, or store in an airtight container until ready for eating.

Bread of Life.. how will you enjoy yours?!

For a whole list of my favourite food blogs, check out my links page.

Morning Glow Bowl

Breakfast has typically been my favourite meal of the day for as long as I can remember. I am a morning person, and I often spend mornings in my own company. As much as I love lazy family breakfasts of pancakes or whipping up various smoothies for us all in summer, there is something I love about the morning hours when Geoff is in bed and I have time to myself to do yoga, organise my day and spend time creating something simple and nourishing to cure my early hunger. I am wondering if this luxury of a morning to myself may be a thing of the past once the baby arrives very soon! It's now just a day away from my 'due date' so we are literally any day away from greeting our little bundle of joy into the world. Exciting and surreal!  So I am making the most of these peaceful, solitary mornings while I can, before they are shared with the new born. I'm sure spending this time with the little precious will be a million times more special than ever, but for now, I am grateful for this space I have created for myself to set me up for the day ahead, with all its 'to-do-lists' and chores to be done. An hour of 'me' time first thing sets me off to a grounded start, rather than rushing out the door without a proper meal or routine. Lets see how all of this changes as I turn into a mum! I will strive to keep some sort of morning ritual what ever turn it may take!

My morning meals vary alot. I'm not one to eat the same thing for breakfast day in day out. Most people wouldn't eat the same lunch and dinner every day would they? Though breakfast often seems to become a similar affair for most each day. This maybe a comfort and part of a morning routine which makes them feel less stressed about the day ahead, though for me, keeping a sense of variation and excitement to my morning is what drives me. I have often gone to bed thinking about what I am going to make in the morning! However, it's always something simple and quick to prepare, varies with the seasons and always super nutritious. I have always figured, that if you start the day as good as you can, then what ever happens for the rest of the day at least you have had a healthy breakfast. Preparing something for myself means I can pack as much nutrition into it as possible without compromising on others tastes. This said, this 'Morning Glow Bowl' is my partners favourite porridge, and he always asks me to make it for him as his 'just isn't the same'! I agree; this isn't your usual quick bowl of oats. Its inspired by ayurvedic principles, uses wholegrains and natural sweeteners and packs in loads of spices. My morning palette craves flavour and warmth, especially in the winter, and this recipe hits all the right spots.

My Morning Glow Bowl is what I love to eat on cold winter mornings, when I want something sweet, filling and warm. Other days I might choose to eat some eggs with homemade bread, a fruity or super-food smoothie or whip up a batch of pancakes to share. But this is what I eat most often right now. I could easily eat it every day if I varied the base by using different grains, different fruits and seeds and changed the spices. The variations are endless, but the recipe below is my favourite version. Its really just a method for you to follow and add in what ingredients you have to hand, so please be creative and come up with your own Morning Glow Bowl. And why Glow Bowl? This bowl of yum will leave you with a warm, nourished glow from the inside  What ever the weather you will be sure to start your day with a glow which will brighten your day and make you feel amazing. I'd love to hear what variations you come up with and how you like to spend your morning time!

Morning Glow Bowl

Serves 1

1/2c whole oat groats, ground in a high speed blender, or whole rolled oats (not quick oats)

2 tsp coconut oil or ghee

1 tbsp desiccated coconut

1 tsp ground ginger

1/2 tsp ground cardamon

4 soaked dates (plus 1/2c soak water)

1 small handful raisins/chopped figs/chopped apricots

1/2c hot water

1/2c almond milk

Honey and ghee to serve (optional)

Pumpkin seeds, hemp seeds, goji berries, bee pollen to serve (or what ever seeds and berries you have)

Gently heat the coconut oil or ghee in a small saucepan until melted then add the oats, coconut and spices. Gentle heat until the oats are slightly 'toasted'. This will add a depth of flavour to your porridge and make the grains easier to digest. Once they smell toasted, add the date water, water and half the almond milk, stirring constantly. Bring to a gentle simmer, and add the dates and dried fruits, adding more almond milk as needed to make the right consistency  I like my porridge quite thin, though you might like it thicker, so add enough to taste. 'Mash' the soft dates into the porridge until they are well mixed in, then remove from the heat and pour into a bowl. To serve, top with a teaspoon of honey if you like it sweet (the dates make it sweet too so not essential) and a teaspoon of ghee for extra flavour and indulgence.  Sprinkle with super seeds; my favourite is hemp seeds, goji berries for colour and bee pollen for extra nutrient power. Sit in a beautiful spot and enjoy the morning still before embarking into the day. Feel the glow spread throughout your body, and know you have started the day with a power-packed indulgent breakfast!

Morning Glow Bowl topped with Pumpkin seeds, hemp seeds, goji berries, bee pollen, homemade ghee and local honey.

Pregnancy third trimester and Mummas little helpers!

Every one tells you, it flies by so fast that before you can say 'nausea, boobs and bump' you find yourself nearing the day your wee earthling finally comes to meet you face to face! How true that is! It only seems like yesterday I was writing my post on pregnancy foods during my first trimester during the summer. Now I am 39 weeks which means our babe could arrive anytime.. Eeeep!

So I thought it's about time I wrote a follow up to my earlier post and updated what I have been eating during the middle and end of my wonderful pregnancy. Yes, I have loved it and am one of the lucky ones who seem to be blessed with a fairly trouble free pregnancy. Ok, I've had pretty much all of the typical symptoms; nausea, irritable bowel, puffy ankles, aches and pains and restless nights, but I've managed to cope with them all and see them as 'baby making it's nest' pains rather than negative problems. I'm able to cope with when I see them easier when I see them in a positive light, as well as eating the right foods, rest, exercise and massage to nurture this body which is nourishing our little one!

Tonight I am experimenting with 'Lactation bars', as they are affectionately known on most resources I've found, or as I like to call them my 'mummas little helpers'. They are basically delicious superfood bars that can be enjoyed by everyone, not just milky-making mums! They contain lots of ingredients known to increase the production of breast milk, so when nursing a new born, when energy is perhaps lacking and milk flow needs to be encouraged, these are your ultimate comfort food! I have tested these out on my partner and friends, and everyone loves them , so don't be put off if you are not in the breast feeding world. I actually want to make lots of different versions of these, and will make them a regular snack in our house. I researched the ingredients thought to increase milk supply and came up with these oaty crunchy slices using all lactation-productive foods. Everything in these tasty little slices is not only likely to boost your milk, but is also really high in iron and good fats, essential things to get in after birthing a baby and recovery post partum. Although I am a few weeks away from reporting the results, I am enjoying eating these everyday knowing that I am filling my body and baby with amazing foods! I shall of course let you know if I think they do the trick.

Ingredients that are thought to increase milk production:
Oats ~ Rich in nutrients and nourishing to the nervous system. Oat s have long been recommended for lactating women, though I think the main reason that they are great for breast feeding, are that oats are the ultimate comfort food. A bowl of oatmeal helps us to relax, is warm and satisfying and thus helps us relax into the joy of nourishing our babies. Oats are well used in herbal medicine as a nervine tonic, and could help with any post natal depression.
Flax/chia seeds ~Are both high in Omega 3 essential fatty acids which are important for cardiovascular health, brain development and skin health. Eating enough Omega 3 during pregnancy is important for fetal development, brain and eye health, so keeping the dosage up during breast feeding will mean that your baby keeps getting enough of these good fats. As breast milk is made up of fats, getting enough yourself will mean that you wont deplete yourself. Chia seeds are especially hydrating and high in protein. You can read more about them here.
Coconut~ Whether fresh, dried. the water or in oil form, coconut products are amazing for lactating mothers, as coconut contains lauric acid which is an important component in breast milk. This fatty acid has antibacterial properties, which could help boost the immune system of the newborn. Have you ever noticed how a coconut resembles a breast?! Its shape, holes and leaking milk from inside if you are to pierce one is totally imitating a human breast. I love the idea that foods which resemble parts of our body are good for that part, and coconuts and their milk has to be the most obvious one! I feel that coconuts are natures gift to nursing mums, and all of their properties are amazing for us whilst beginning to breast feed. I am planning on drinking lots of coconut water whilst in labour, as it is so hydrating, sweet and easy to stomach. Coconut water is also amazing for weaning older infants, as its taste is very similar to mothers milk.
Fenegreek~Has been used for centuries as a herb to increase breast milk supply. They are excellent for digestive disorders and contain lots of minerals. Be warned however, eating lots of fenegreek will make you smell like an Indian takeaway! You will almost certainly wear a curry aroma if you eat alot of it, as I found out when I started sprouting fenegreek seeds and consuming them daily! Maybe not a great thing unless you really need it.
Molasses~ Anemia can contribute to low milk supply and is common in new mums after losing blood during birth. Enzymes needed for energy production and metabolism are dependent on iron. Blackstrap molasses is iron rich, and a traditional remedy for low milk supply. It also tastes great, and can be used to sweeten oatmeal porridge, used in cakes or eaten straight. 
Buckwheat: Contains rutin which helps decrease blood pressure, helping us stay relaxed.

Mummas Little helpers

Makes about 20 bars

Base:

1c oats (traditional rolled oats)

1c cashews

1 tbsp chia seeds

2 tbsp coconut oil, melted

2 tbsp molasses

1/2 tsp fenegreek powder (optional)

In a high speed blender or food processor, grind the cashews as finely as possible. Pour into a bowl, then do the same with the oats, forming a fine flour. Combine in the bowl with the chia seeds, coconut oil, molasses and fenegreek and form into a dough using your hands. Press the dough into a baking tin lined with cling film, and set in the fridge while you make the topping.

Topping:

1/2c coconut oil, melted

1/3c honey, slightly warmed

1/2 c buckwheaties (sprouted and dehydrated buckwheat)

1/2 c goji berries

1/2 c hemp seeds

1/4 cacao nibs

In a bowl, combine the coconut oil and honey until you have a paste. add all the dry ingredients until you have a chunky mixture, then spread ontop of the base. leave to set in the fridge before cutting into slices. Will keep in the fridge for many weeks and can also be frozen.

Variations:

If you dont have any buckwheaties on hand, you could use puffed rice or chopped nuts such as almonds or brazils.

You could substitute the goji berries for any dried fruit chopped small.

For an even more decadent treat, you could drizzle some dark chocolate ontop of these bars! New mums especially need all the energy they can get!

Crunchy, oaty, super slices full of good fats and lactogenic herbs! Not just for the mums out there.. everyone loves these!