Apple Nachos....

I love a challenge almost as much as I love a sweet treat so when the opportunity arose to mix the two how could I resist? So with the challenge accepted I wondered how could I make a mid morning snack vegan, gluten free, suitable for a diabetic and more adventurous than just a banana?! Giant mug of coffee in hand (made with chai choc almond milk – try it, its heaven in a mug!!) and the cats curled up next to me, I scoured recipe books, Pinterest and my favourite vegan blogs for inspiration. And there was plenty! Sweet or savoury? Nibbles or actual snacks? Was it too much / big / small for a snack? Does it contain ingredients I actually have in (it was raining outside and I am shamefully a fair weather biker…) I finally stumbled upon this beauty of a recipe. Sadly I read that much and made endless notes to the point I am not sure where I found this little delight but who ever the author is please know I adore you and thank you for saving the day with this yummy plate of awesomeness. Apple Nachos –

 

Apple Nachos (serves 2)

• 3 apples of your choice
• Nut butter of your choice (we used hazelnut butter)
• Sweet Freedom Choc Shot
• 2 square of your favourite dark vegan chocolate (we used raw cacao with stem ginger)

 

How To –

• Chop the apples in to wedges and arrange on a plate.
• Drizzle nut butter and choc shot all over the apples.
• Grate / bash the chocolate up and sprinkle on top.
• Grab, your friend, 2 forks (it is a bit messy for finger food), your cups of tea & enjoy!

Small Business Saturday- East Coast Bicycles.......

I am a mahoosive supporter of local small businesses and try where ever possible to shop within my local community. I am a very lucky girly and have been adopted by Gods green county itself, Yorkshire. Meaning I am spoilt for choice when it comes to small local businesses. However I do know from literary bestsellers to the latest gadgets, there is no denying that the internet makes it far easier to compare the price of shopping. But the tide is turning and buying locally is the message behind Small Business Saturday.

And there are plenty of reasons why it is worth going local to support small business Saturday – 

1. Your spending will boost the local economy

 Research on spending by local authorities shows that for every £1 spent with a small or medium-sized business 63p stayed in the local economy, compared to 40p with a larger business.

2. It is the ethical choice

Buying out-of-season produce, like strawberries in December, lowers your eco-credentials. As does eating veggies and breads that have been flown halfway round the world or wrapped in layers of plastic. When you shop at local bakers, farm shops and green grocers, it is likely that a decent percentage of the produce has had a short field-to-fork journey. Along with supporting local businesses, it means the food is likely to contain more nutrients and have less packaging.

3. They sell quirky, one-off gifts

Independent shops often stock items which are made locally and aren't available elsewhere: buy a dress by a fledgling designer and there is little chance of turning up to the office Christmas party wearing the same as someone else.

4. You can help build communities

Bookshops, cafes and craft shops often drum up custom by hosting events, from book groups to knitting clubs and children's events. If the businesses are not supported, the local groups tend to disappear too.

5. You might get a better deal or some good advice

Local bakers throw in extra bagels for regulars; grocers give informal 10% discounts; and market stall holders are prepared to negotiate on prices. Independent retailers can use their discretion to reward regular custom, and it can mean you get discounts on the items you actually want to buy, rather than being tempted by multi-buy offers in the big chains.

 So because I am passionate about supporting small businesses and I am an action speaks louder than words kinda gal, every Saturday I will be bigging up my local favourite business in aid of small business Saturday! So with no further ado, let me introduce Nick of East Coast Bicycles, he says – 

East Coast Bicycles is an award winning Bicycle Boutique and Emporium specialising in cool, retro and vintage style bicycles, Dutch bicycles, single speed and American beach cruiser bicycles. We have a good range of unique accessories including hand made wicker baskets and gorgeous hand made leatherette panniers. We encourage individuality and promote social cycling to all ages and organise weekly, monthly and yearly cycle events for customers and the general public. We even have a little shop dog called Lily Dog who has her own blog!

The store features -

• *Trained bike mechanics

*Bike servicing

• Sale bikes included

*Click and collect

• *Home delivery  

If you fancy the ride on a Tuesday night it does not matter what colour your bike is just as long as it is fixed wheel or single speed! Then you can join the ECB Knights fixed wheel/single speed ride this every Tuesday eve. Meet at East Coast Bicycles for a 7pm leave. Bring lights and beer money as we go to Queens after the ride.

www.eastcoastbicycles.co.uk

53 Princes Avenue, Hull HU5

01482 342894

Chickpea Flat Bread - vegan & gluten free.....

Healthy, delicious, vegan, gluten-free & Italian. Need I say more? I mean, really? With so many wonderful things all packaged up into one, it might seem almost too good to be true. If I told you also, just how mind-bogglingly easy this recipe was, well you might just freak right out. Don’t do that. Instead, read on to find the recipe that could literally help you simplify your life, be healthier, all the while impressing your friends and family as well. Lofty promises I know.

CHICKPEA FLAT BREAD:

• (2.5) cups chick-pea flour* (also called gram or garbanzo flour)
• (3.5) cups fresh cold water
• (1 tsp) salt & black pepper, or to taste
• (1/4) cup extra virgin olive oil

First, prepare to be blown away in a few hours, as this recipe calls for the mixed batter to sit a little while. I’ve made this recipe now several times and have had great success with mixing it up mid-day on a weekend for cooking in time for dinner.

In a large mixing bowl, pour in the flour. Add the water gradually as you whisk the flour to keep any lumps from forming. Once all the water has been added, mix until completely smooth and add salt and pepper as desired (just not too much salt and this recipe doesn’t need much).

*You can make your own freshly ground chickpea flour in a high powered blender. Simply take good quality dried chickpeas and add 2 cups at a time to a Blender - mines a Kitchen Aid one and does a great job. Blend on high until it makes a very fine powder.

Let the mixture stand on the counter for 3 hours or so. When ready to bake, heat the oven to 350 degrees. Gently skim off any froth that forms on the surface of the mixture with a slotted spoon. Prepare a large rimmed cookie sheet by pouring the olive oil onto the bottom (if you can, do not be shy or skimpy here with the olive oil, it is wonderful in this recipe).

Once the oven is hot, pour in the batter, making a layer about (1/4) inch deep. Careful, this is going to move a lot when you pick it up! Bake at 350 for 30 minutes, until golden. Remove from the oven when done and let cool a little before cutting & serving.

We played about using different infused oils & letting home made pesto rest on top when it was warm as well as putting olives, vegan cheeses & sundried tomatoes. Amazing!!

Small Business Saturday - Tea & Bisque........

I am a mahoosive supporter of local small businesses and try where ever possible to shop within my local community. I am a very lucky girly and have been adopted by Gods green county itself, Yorkshire. Meaning I am spoilt for choice when it comes to small local businesses. However I do know from literary bestsellers to the latest gadgets, there is no denying that the internet makes it far easier to compare the price of shopping. But the tide is turning and buying locally is the message behind Small Business Saturday.

And there are plenty of reasons why it is worth going local to support small business Saturday –

1. Your spending will boost the local economy

 Research on spending by local authorities shows that for every £1 spent with a small or medium-sized business 63p stayed in the local economy, compared to 40p with a larger business.

2. It is the ethical choice

Buying out-of-season produce, like strawberries in December, lowers your eco-credentials. As does eating veggies and breads that have been flown halfway round the world or wrapped in layers of plastic. When you shop at local bakers, farm shops and green grocers, it is likely that a decent percentage of the produce has had a short field-to-fork journey. Along with supporting local businesses, it means the food is likely to contain more nutrients and have less packaging.

3. They sell quirky, one-off gifts

Independent shops often stock items which are made locally and aren't available elsewhere: buy a dress by a fledgling designer and there is little chance of turning up to the office Christmas party wearing the same as someone else.

4. You can help build communities

Bookshops, cafes and craft shops often drum up custom by hosting events, from book groups to knitting clubs and children's events. If the businesses are not supported, the local groups tend to disappear too.

5. You might get a better deal or some good advice

Local bakers throw in extra bagels for regulars; grocers give informal 10% discounts; and market stall holders are prepared to negotiate on prices. Independent retailers can use their discretion to reward regular custom, and it can mean you get discounts on the items you actually want to buy, rather than being tempted by multi-buy offers in the big chains.

 So because I am passionate about supporting small businesses and I am an action speaks louder than words kinda gal, every Saturday I will be bigging up my local favourite business in aid of small business Saturday! So with no further ado, let me introduce Tracy and  Debbie  of Tea & Bisque, they say –

The Tea & Bisque-it pottery painting studio is a family friendly venue for adults and children of all ages and all abilities to come and enjoy creating / designing and painting their own art onto a large selection of pottery, ranging from cups and saucers, to animals, clocks, and even Doctor Who money-boxes, and we can do paw prints as well as child hand and foot prints. The range of our bisque pottery is wide so please visit us to have a look around at all the designs subjects and themes we have available for you to paint and create.

If you have ideas or requests for parties or themed pottery / painting events please feel free to ring us on (01482) 653611 or pop-in (or send us a message on Facebook) and have a chat with Tracy or Debbie about it, and if it is possible we will do our best to make it happen - Please note there may be an added cost if we need to buy-in a small-run of pottery which we wouldn't normally sell.

At Tea & Bisque-it we love cake, so whilst you are having a short break from your pottery painting - maybe as a moment of consideration and inspiration, why not have a lovely slice of cake, or some flapjack or a scone to help get those creative juices flowing... If Tracy has the time to bake we also have a variety of home-made cookies cakes and flapjacks available, some gluten free, as well as a 'Daily Special' to choose from. We serve a variety of savoury snacks on weekends and during school holidays.

If you just fancy a drink we have fresh bean Fairtrade coffee supplied by the Wilberforce Freedom charity, as well as a wide selection of speciality teas, and cold drinks. You do not have to be painting to use our café facilities; everyone is welcome to call in... And last but not least, please remember that the café IS dog friendly.

Example of some of their gorgeous pottery...

 So please come along and try your hand at creating your own little masterpiece... You can come on your own or with friends and family to create a wonderful gift for a loved-one or something to put on show in your house. Whichever you decide we can guarantee you will have a great time choosing, designing and painting your own personal piece of pottery, something which you can be extremely proud of and which by visiting us again and again you can add to as time goes by.

Example of some of their gorgeous pottery...

Example of some of their gorgeous cake.....

Contact details –

Tea & Bisque-it, 155 Kingston Road, Willerby, Hull HU10 6AL.

Tel: (01482) 653611

www.facebook.com/teaandbisque

instagram.com/teaandbisqueit

Brown Rice & Mushroom Burger (Vegan and Gluten Free)......

Since going vegan I have learnt that the summer BBQ with friends, whilst loads of fun and not to be missed –isn’t, by nature vegan friendly. So as BBQ season approaches every vegan should have a stash of home made no meat burgers tucked away in the freezer that they can quickly heat up and enjoy with yummy salads and baked potatoes. After some initial trial and error I created this perfect vegan burger. Firm, tasty, holds well in a bun and easy to make I now have a freezer full ready for some fun filled BBQ summer nights.

Mushroom & Brown Rice Vegan Burgers (makes 2)

·        1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil

·        A pinch of each: turmeric, garlic powder and pepper

·        150g of  mushrooms cut up

·        A pinch of salt

·        1  can organic black beans, drained and rinsed

·        3 tablespoons of cooked brown rice

How To –

·        In a pan heat the oil and add the mushrooms, spices & salt.

·        As they brown roughly mash the beans in a separate bowl.

·        Add the rice and mushroom mix to the mashed beans and mix well.

·        Using a handful of the mixture shape into burger shapes.

·        Place them in the same pan that you had used and cook on both sides.

·        Serve in a bun with your favourite toppings – avocado, tomato and onion are a favourite of mine. Enjoy!

 

 

Almond Icecream (vegan and gluten free)......

A few weeks ago I posted a blog with a recipe for the most amazing raspberry and dark chocolate flapjack which I served with almond icecream. Since then I have had lots of requests for my vegan gluten free icecram recipe and I am only too happy to oblige. Make, eat & enjoy!

Create your ice cream base:

 ■full fat organic coconut milk

 ■non-dairy milk (almond, cashew, hemp etc)

Select a sweetener:

 ■dates

 ■coconut sugar

 ■agave syrup (I used sweet freedom)

 Optional add-ins:

 ■vanilla extract

 ■vanilla beans

 ■cacao or cocoa powder

 ■dark chocolate pieces or sauce

 ■cookies, brownies or other baked goods (vegan / gluten free friendly of course)

 ■nuts

 ■fresh or dried fruit

 ■spices

 ■herbs and botanicals

 ■nut butters

 ■toasted coconut

 ■coffee

 ■and sooo much more!!

When you have made all those decisions this is the easy part – mix all the ingredients together with a blender / electric whisk and pour into a freezer friendly container. Check every hour and mash with a fork each time you do. It takes approx. 4 hours to get it to the right constancy. Get a  big scoop and enjoy!

Picnic Time...... (no bears were harmed!)

Those of you who follow my blog will know I have recently got myself a beautiful new bike (a Dawes Duchess in Roses!) and I am totally in love. As we get older we treat ourselves less so it is nice sometimes to put yourself first and get something you have wanted for a long time. As I have touched on in my previous blog there are many amazing reasons to cycle. But as the sun is shining, the infamous British summer has begun and I have a basket on the front of my bike I felt it was time to take some cruelty-free cooking to the park, the beach and wherever else you would want to picnic this summer. Loaves of bread stuffed with veggies and vegan pesto, pinwheels, potato salad and kale chips are just a few of the dairy-free dishes you could be enjoying on your summer adventures. From sandwiches to cakes, these fresh, flavourful and creative vegan picnic recipes will impress even your most sceptical omnivore friends and family. These are some of my favourite ideas -

·        Stuff a partially hollowed-out loaf of bread (gluten free if needs be) with all of your favourite fillings, wrap it up and refrigerate it overnight with a heavy weight on top for condensed picnic sandwiches that won’t fall apart when you try to eat them. This version by The Daily Mail layers pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, artichoke and grilled marinated tofu or substitute for  another favourite vegan ingredient like avocado, kalamata olives, roasted red peppers or hummus.

·        Vegetable pinwheels are a fun alternative to plain old wraps and sandwiches and can be made with any of your favourite veggies. You just spread a mixture of vegan cream cheese and finely diced vegetables onto gluten free wraps, roll them up, slice them and wrap each resulting ‘pinwheel’ individually. Another option switches out the cream cheese and diced raw vegetables for hummus and grilled veggies.

·        Pretty much any potato salad can be made vegan by omitting dairy-based mayonnaise – be creative! Many potato salad recipes use vinaigrette and/or mustard instead of mayo to dress the veggies, or you could just use vegan mayonnaise. Try adding dill and pickles for a flavour boost, and toss in any veggies you have laying around.

·        Homemade kale or sweet potato chips make a lovely addition to any picnic and are great for nibbling along the way if needs be. Simply follow the recipes on my previous blogs and enjoy!

·        No picnic is complete without pudding. The British summer favourite has to strawberries, picked fresh from your local farm ideally and dipped in champagne while nibbling some dark chocolate. Perfect. Realistically however I’d rather see how much cake I can eat before I start to feel sick (let me tell you it is quite a lot!) brownies, flapjack and carrot cake bites all work as they travel well, can be cut into pretty bite size chunks and are perfect for sharing (if you want to share!)