Tuesday, February 3, 2015 Recipe Recommendation // Sesame Snaps

Yet another sweet snack... I think you're getting a clear indication of what I enjoy cooking/eating most :P. Here is another easy yet satisfying recipe. I've been a big fan of sesame snaps since the beginning of uni - they make the perfect mid-lecture snack, or are great with a cup of coffee. And don't underestimate them, they're pretty filling, so you only need a few :)

I followed this recipe here, but there are heaps out there, and it's quite easy to experiment. I added some plain buckinis to the mix, for instance. Or you can add any other type of seed you fancy - maybe some pumpkin seeds could work well? You can drizzle some melted chocolate on top once the snaps have cooled, and then wait for the choc to set before cutting them into squares or whatever shape you prefer. Whatevz man!

Here is what I used:

Then it's basically a matter of mixing it all together and rolling it out:

Then pop it in the oven. I probably should have kept it in for a little bit longer, because they were still quite soft in the centre, but they still tasted fab :)

Cut them into squares and enjoy! xx

Wednesday, January 28, 2015 Recipe Recommendation // Gluten-Free Chickpea Chocolate Cake

This one is hard to stuff up. Like, you would have to really really try to make it go wrong. I've resorted to this recipe time and time since I discovered it at the beginning of 2014, when I made it for my mum's birthday (she is gluten intolerant). It was a hit, and has been every time. For my dad's birthday later that year, I divided the mixture and made them into muffins (just kept them in the oven for about a third of the time) and they worked a treat!

Once again, I often have all/most of the ingredients in the cupboard. Simple, effective, cheap, tasty, easy... ticks all the boxes. You'll find the recipe here.

PS. Don't worry, I promise you won't be able to taste the chickpeas!

Wednesday, January 21, 2015 Recipe Recommendation // Whole Pantry's 'Vanilla & Almond Choc-Chip Cookies'

I have no intention of pretending I'm an awesome cook. I know that I'm pretty average, in the whole scheme of things, but I'm getting better. More and more I'm also coming to really enjoy the process of cooking. I find it to be quite a therapeutic activity - it distracts you, for a period of time, from whatever else is going on in your day or your life. It makes you focus on the production and creation of something, and hopefully ends in a satisfying reward. 

However, I'm still not confident in cooking/baking things without following recipes. I feel that if I try to experiment I'll stuff it up and waste ingredients - and I hate wasting food. And so I heavily rely on blogs, cookbooks and internet sites. I thought it might be a nice idea to share with you some recipe recommendations that I've gathered, suitable for anyone like me who doesn't feel wholly confident in the kitchen but are interested in trying new things. 

I found this 'Vanilla & Almond Choc-Chip Cookies' recipe from the Whole Pantry app. They also have a cookbook that I really really want but haven't purchased yet - it's on the list! They focus on mostly vegan and gluten free recipes, but in a really accessible and non-intimidating way ie. you won't need a fuckload of ingredients to substitute for an egg. The app costs a few dollars, but I think it's worth it. Not only for the recipes, but the app itself is beautiful (follow the link and you'll get an insight into what I mean)!

The cookie's are so easy and quick to make, and I usually already have most/all of the ingredients in the cupboard. I substitute cacoa nibs for chopped up dark chocolate, and I use vanilla essence instead of vanilla extract (it's just what I had in the cupboard and it's much cheaper). They're sweet, but not too sweet. And super light. Perfect with tea :) Enjoy!