All posts tagged: Vanilla

Ginger Banana Bread

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We all like a sweet treat every now and then, and some of us more than others! But what if that sweet treat became a nutritious snack that delivered benefits to our bodies as well as instantly satisfying that sweet craving? Having tried other gluten free cakes I’ve often been disappointed either by a dry solid texture or discovering that the wheat flour alternatives will have your blood sugar levels reaching sky high! It makes it all the more exciting to share this Ginger Banana Bread, it has an amazingly moist texture and great flavour. This really is so quick and easy to make and I don’t think anyone will realise its gluten free! So these nutritional benefits? Well it doesn’t contain any refined sugars (no blood sugar peak and slump to deal with), is gluten free and can be dairy free if you opt for the coconut oil in place of the butter.  We get added fibre from the flax seeds, good fats and protein from the nuts and antioxidants from the cacao. Buckwheat flour …

Sweet & Salty Vanilla Popcorn

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Popcorn is a perfect healthy snack and seems to be making a huge revival. In fact it may be as popular as ever with so many different flavours, sweet and savoury, appearing in the shops. If you choose a brand thats selling proper popcorn these are generally good but check the ingredients list carefully as some can be packed full of fat and sugar which make it pretty unhealthy and dare I say it, microwave popcorn is not a great option! In the quest for a healthier revision snack I’ve started making popcorn for my children to eat as they study. I knew a sweet popcorn would be favourite, so I’ve used coconut nectar as a sugar alternative, it has an amazing caramel flavour is natural and unrefined. It also has a lower Glycemic Index compared to regular sugar which means it shouldn’t peak blood sugar levels and therefore keeps energy even, helping avoid the sugar highs and lows which can affect concentration. Coconut sugar may also retain some of the nutrients found in the coconut palm. Cooking in coconut oil as well as …

Salted Cacao Bars

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With the prospect of a 50 mile charity bike ride on the horizon I decided I’d try and make some healthy bars with natural energy to help keep my legs moving!  I often buy various gluten free, protein packed, seed, nut and fruit bars to keep me fuelled when out cycling or walking and the family tend to fill themselves with homemade flapjack and chocolate!  This time I’d like us all to have something that doesn’t contain refined sugar.  I love a sweet salty flavour so wanted to create a healthy snack that gave me that flavour hit.  These no-cook bars fit the bill perfectly and I’ll be wrapping up a good few of these to keep me pedaling through the miles!  They’re also great to have with a morning cup of coffee, post workout or to see you through the 4 o’clock energy slump!  They are so quick and easy to make and so delicious you’ll be wanting to eat the mixture before it makes it to the tin! Finding the right dates to use …