Wednesday 21 August 2013

fresh apple chocolate lollies


 
I love these little fresh apple lollies and believe anything with a dash of fruit is better than none especially when there are little people involved.
 
Now I can't take all the credit for these, I saw a picture in a magazine recently and thought that's exactly what I'm going to make for my daughter (nearly 2yr) as a special treat when she comes to visit me and her new sister in hospital.
 
I would also love to keep these up my sleeve for the next birthday party we have for her.  I think they would make beautiful snacks or even little gifts for party bags.

I love everything handmade and believe little detailed items like this go a long was in adding that extra special touch and for half the cost.
 
I wrapped them with cellophane and tied a bow out of raffia (two very essential items to keep in every household) making the lollies look very special.  I can't wait to see her face when she comes in.











Tuesday 20 August 2013

delicious bran muffins (Low GI)





In the words of Jamiroquai I'm going deeper underground.... yes the bags are packed, pressies wrapped, snacks prepared, camera's charged, last bump pics taken and two days till we meet our second little princess.
 
It's a new adventure and I'm certainly ready for the ride.  Her soon to be big sister, may at times think her world is being turned upside down but she will soon realise a bond and relationship larger than life.  A new little being who is about to become her best friend for life, and its that, that pleases me most.
 
It's no surprise Ginger Fig will be a little quite over the next few months as we embark on a few sleepless nights.  It got me thinking about which recipe to share with you, one of my favourites and one I simply can't live without - and it's these delightful bran muffins, simple to make, fluffy and soft, and ever so healthy. 
 
This is the only bran muffin recipe you will ever need, you could live solely on these.  They are very good at lowering cholesterol and being low GI release energy slowly helping to lower sugar levels and more - thanks to the 3 cups of oats.
 



Light and fluffy and not to mention super healthy, great for the whole family.  They also freeze very well.


 
 

Makes 14 big muffins or (24 smaller muffins)
 
You will need:
 
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 4 Tbs oil
  • 3 cups oats
  • 1 1/2 cup cake flour
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 2 cups low fat milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla essence
  • pinch of salt
  • 1 Tbs bicarb of soda
  • 1 grated apple
  • 1 cup sultanas
Method:
 
1) Mix all the dry ingredients together.  Add the milk, eggs, oil and essence together with the sultanas and grated apple mix well and leave in the fridge overnight or for a few hours.
 
2) Grease a muffin tray and bake at 180 preheated oven for 20 mins or till golden.
 




Monday 19 August 2013

iced jasmine & elderflower tea


 
This has got to be one of the most refreshing drinks I've tasted in a long time, well in the non alcoholic department at least.  It would be hard to compete with my white peach sangria which I have been meaning to blog about for ages and will get round to it someday I promise.
 
Here, the dash of elderflower cordial adds that little kick of deliciousness to the already very aromatic jasmine tea.  These two flavours are made for each other and I would encourage you make a batch and keep it in the fridge, serve it with lunch or even an afternoon snack in the garden.
 
I used flowering jasmine pearls, but you could use any jasmine flavour tea be it a bag or leaves.


 



 



You will need:
  • 1 flowering jasmine tea pearl (or 1 jasmine flavoured tea bag)
  • a dash of elderflower cordial
  • a few blocks of ice

 
Method:
 
1) Make the tea as you would normally, allow to cool slightly.  Pour a dash of elderflower cordial in each glass or in the tea pot (to taste) depends how sweet you like it.  Pour the tea over ice into the individual glasses.