Imperfectly Paleo

The stuff of chocolate-centric dreams... Top with a handful of gluten-free granola and a few berries or spoon over a pud. Chocolate Beetroot Cashew Cream Chocolate Beetroot Cashew Cream Grain-free, Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Refined Sugar-free, Nut-free Serves 1 Ingredients : 1/4 cup (35g) raw unsalted cashew nuts, soaked overnight in filtered water 1 medium (65g) cooked, cooled and peeled beetroot 1/4 medium ripe avocado flesh (40g) 1 large (15g) soft medjool date, pitted 1/4 tsp vanilla extract 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa or cacao powder 6 tbsp unsweetened coconut milk (plus extra if needed) Optional toppings: grain-free granola, berries, edible dried flower petals Instructions : 1. Blend all ingredients (not toppings!) until smooth and creamy, adding a dash extra coconut milk if needed). 2. Decant into serving bowl and add toppings if desired. Eat immediately.

I have been re-reading Gretchen Rubin's 'The Happiness Project' in a bid to reboot my own happiness level. Much of what she says strikes a poignant chord. Happiness: my children on a beautiful spring day Depending on the individual, the route to DIY contentment will vary wildly and not many of us can attest to having 12 minutes free let alone 12 months to experiment with all the facets Gretchen explores in her book. My five key personal takeaways to unlocking my gateway to happiness lie roughly in the areas of: 1. Sleeping and exercising better 2. Decluttering and organising 3. Launch a blog and enjoy the fun of failure (you are reading the evidence of this!) 4. Mindfulness 5. Practising gratitude The problem is that every time I have tried to build good habits to tackle and enforce each of these areas, correlating bad habits have an uncanny knack of sneakily sidling their way to the forefront, eventually obscuring all trace of existence of their bett...

When I am 'cooking' for just myself I revel in the freedom of not worrying about juggling all the likes and dislikes of every member of the family. This is one of my favourites - and every single ingredient is hated (not just disliked) by at least one if not all of my lovely family! And the best thing about making this for myself is that it's a doddle to prepare and doesn't even require cooking. Seaweed Cucumber and Radish Salad Seaweed is a great source of iodine, good for gut health and full of nutrients eg calcium, folate, magnesium. It also aids detoxification and has been claimed in studies to help regulate hormones. Whatever the benefits I love the natural saltiness and it always tastes great with a sesame oil and ginger based dressing. Seaweed Cucumber and Radish Salad Grain-free, Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Refined Sugar-free Serves 1 as a main, 2 as a side Ingredients: 10g mixed dried seaweed, hydrated and drained 2-3 inch cucumber, finely sli...

My time is precious. It is limited. The demand for it well exceeds its potential supply. If only someone would bestow me a Time-Turner a la Hermione in Harry Potter, then I could achieve so much more... Chinese Red Date (aka Jujube) and Walnut Raw 'Cheese'cake My mum has been feeding me Chinese red dates since forever - in soups, infusions, desserts - it is an essential Chinese 'superfood' (indeed pre-dating the term 'superfood' itself) with purported anti-inflammatory and calming properties. Recently she brought me some delicious snacks from Hong Kong - simply individually wrapped pitted Chinese red dates (aka Jujube) encasing a single walnut - so simple and such a perfect combo that I was inspired to make a dessert based on it. Chinese Red Date (aka Jujube) and Walnut Raw 'Cheese'cake Grain-free, Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Refined Sugar-free Makes a small 12cm diameter cake Ingredients : Base: 1/2 cup (65g) raw unsalted walnuts 1/2 ...

This recipe recycles leftover meatloaf, into a low maintenance, minimal effort second supper. One Pan Meatloaf Stuffed Roast Squash with Asparagus Meatloaf is a very lazy dinner menu option - literally mix 500g of minced pork (or chicken or turkey or a mix) with a few tablespoons of spices of choice (my favourites include 1tbsp cumin and 1tbsp ground coriander, but Chinese 5 spice, oregano, basil, etc all work well), a tsp of garlic powder and onion powder, an egg to bind and a tbsp of coconut flour to add firmness and plenty of salt and pepper.  Press firmly and neatly into a loaf tin and bake at 175 degrees celsius for about 45mins-1hr or until cooked through.  Delicious add-ins to the meatloaf mix are: - cooked spinach (make sure to squeeze out all the liquid before adding to the meatloaf mix) - pan fried chopped mushrooms (again, cook until liquid evaporated) - grated squash or carrots (squeeze out liquid) - coconut aminos and thai ...

I'm not American and I've only eaten Pumpkin Pie once - when I was very kindly but rather randomly invited to a Thanksgiving dinner on my first night in Japan, surrounded by a bunch of complete strangers. As a result, I'm not convinced it is a dessert that invokes a particular warm and fuzzy sentimentality. That said, I am an unapologetic fan of pumpkin and all the warm spices that accompany it in its seasonal pie incarnation. Spiced Pumpkin 'Panecotta' Pie Pud   This version is a hybrid of Crustless Pumpkin Pie meets Panecotta - slightly less custard-y and more of the wobble of a panecotta. Spiced Pumpkin 'Panecotta' Pud Gluten-free, Grain-free, Dairy-free, Refined Sugar-free, Nut-free Makes a 15cm/ 6" pud Ingredients : 225g (just over half can) unsweetened pumpkin puree 1 medium ripe avocado, peeled and stoned 1 large ripe banana 1 small soft date, pitted 100ml coconut milk, cold 100ml coconut milk, heated to very warm but not ...

Slow roasting/ cooking any joint of meat is so time and energy consuming that it seems churlish not to cook plenty in one go to lower the cost per portion! This is what happened when I roasted a rather enormous joint of beef and the children declared with such exasperation, "Not beef again " that I knew it'd take a bit more pizazz to make this theoretically economical way of cooking actually work in practise! Thai Beef Salad This recipe works just as well for other leftover meats - I have done it with leftover turkey... Thai 'Turkey' Salad with Cold Roast Kabocha Squash and baked salmon... Thai 'Salmon' Salad  and it tastes great regardless. Thai Beef Salad Grain-free, Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Refined Sugar-free Serves 2 Ingredients: Salad: approx 2 handfuls (1.5 - 2 cups) shredded or chopped cold roast beef (or substitute other cooked meat or a handful of roasted cashews for a meat-free alternative) 1/4 head of red cabbage (...

I love a good salad for lunch - mostly because I am lazy and salads are quick to make and require minimal washing up! This one is hugely versatile, super delicious and most importantly, super quick to whip up. Avocado Tuna with Ginger Lime Salad

Yes, the title is an alliterative mouthful but that's how I like to roll - ha ha - get it? I made this absolutely aeons ago but didn't get round to writing it up and somehow just forgot about it.  It is super dense in texture (so don't expect a fluffy swiss roll feeling) and also rather fiddly to make but is really fun and definitely very healthy, being packed with all the green stuff - kale, spinach, matcha, moringa. Mostly I just make and eat the 'cake' bit - real life means patience and time don't often allow for the rolling and faffing! Matcha Moringa Roll with Carob Coconut Filling Grain-free, Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Refined Sugar-free, Nut-free Makes 8 pieces Ingredients : Cake: 45g kale leaves, washed and dried 60g spinach, washed and dried 2 medium, ripe spotty bananas (weighing 170g when peeled) 1/2 cup + 1 tsp (75g) coconut flour, sifted 1 tbsp (5g) moringa leaf powder 1 tbsp (5g) matcha green tea powder 4 medium eggs 2 tbsp cinn...

Broccolini is commonly known as Tenderstem Broccoli; a hybrid between regular broccoli and its more exotic cousin, kai-lan (aka Chinese broccoli). It is milder and sweeter than run-of-the-mill broccoli and is a good source of vitamin C. Broccolini, Squash and Edamame Miso Salad As the stalks are so much thinner and the florets smaller and more delicate it is also quicker to cook - a brief steam or even blanch is adequate. Roasting the squash brings out the natural sweetness of this antioxidant-rich, anti-inflammatory root vegetable. The roasting oil also aids the absorption of fat-soluble vitamin A. It is no secret that the consumption of edamame beans and miso is not paleo - the argument against soy and its potentially distruptive effects on hormone balance abound on the internet, so I will spare the repetition. From personal experience I tolerate soy and choose to include it in moderation but understandably this will vary between individuals. Edamame beans are a good so...

These are just simple snack bars that everyone in the family can grab and take to work/ play/ school. They take a few minutes to whizz up in the food processor and contain a LOT less sugar (unrefined of course) than the store-bought equivalent and also work out a lot cheaper. I wrap them individually and store in a sealed container in the fridge Raw Nut-Free Naked Brownie Bars Raw Nut-Free Naked Brownie Bars  Grain-free, Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Refined Sugar-free, Nut-free Makes 9 Ingredients : 1 cup (150g) raw unsalted sunflower seeds 1 cup (100g) milled flax/chia seed blend 1 cup (150g) soft,unsweetened pitted dates (pre-soak briefly if hard and drain) 1/4 cup (50g) unsweetened raisins (soaked briefly and drained) 3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder big pinch sea salt 1 tbsp cinnamon powder 1 tbsp vanilla extract 1 tbsp coconut oil a few tbsp hot water as needed optional stir-through add-ins: if not nut-intolerant 1/4 cup roughly chopped almonds; cacao nibs...

Chicory is a great salad ingredient full of character - firm in texture, retains its crunch well, slightly bitter. Apparently this common type is specifically 'Witlook' Chicory, or Belgian Endive. I've found it to be a very useful receptacle for dips of all sorts too! Chicory (aka Endive) Pomegranate Avocado Salad Chicory (aka Endive) Pomegranate Avocado Salad Grain-free, Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Refined Sugar-free Serves 2 Ingredients: 1 head of chicory, trimmed and leaves separated 100g baby spinach and rocket 1/2 medium, ripe avocado, peeled, pitted, chopped or sliced 4-5 radishes, trimmed and finely sliced 50g (1/4 cup) unsalted walnuts, toasted or untoasted as preferred approx 50g (1/4 large pomegranate) pomegranate arils Dressing: 4 tbsp EVOO 2 tbsp red wine vinegar 1 tsp dijon mustard 2 tsp pomegranate molasses 1/4 tsp zaatar sea salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste Instructions: 1. Add all dressing ingredients to a clean glass ...

Super simple. Universally loved by old and young - these never last long around our house!   Raw Apple Pie Energy Bars

Cherries are one of my favourite fruit. Ironically and somewhat sadly, the cherry tree in our garden has just been diagnosed terminal by a tree surgeon. But to be honest, despite the prettiness of the pink blossom, in all the years it didn't once bear any fruit. These cherries are clearly not from our tree! Cherry Cucumber and Celery Salad Serve this alongside roast duck, in a big colourful platter for a barbecue accompaniment, or just with a sprinkle of toasted nuts for a simple lunch. Cherry Cucumber and Celery Salad Grain-free, Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Refined Sugar-free, Nut-free Serves 1 as a main, 2 as a side Ingredients : 1/3 medium (100g) cucumber 1 stick celery, chopped 100g cherries, pitted and halved small bunch (16g) coriander, roughly chopped handful of rocket/ watercress leaves 1/2 tbps rice wine vinegar 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) big pinch sea salt and fresh ground black pepper Instructions : 1. Slice cucumber in half lengthways ...

Cashew nuts are contentious in our household - they elicit strong and conflicting feelings. Basically, my daughter is allergic to them and the rest of us LOVE them. Cashew Chicken 腰果雞 was one of my mum's standard dishes when we were children and I love it as much now as I did then. What better time to post this recipe than when I am about to get a taste of the real deal when I see my mum this week! Cashew Chicken Stir-fry 腰果雞 served on Courgetti Like most stir-fries this is a very quick meal to throw together once all the chicken and veg have been prepped. Feel free to use coconut aminos instead of tamari if not soy-tolerant but do adjust for taste as tamari is saltier. Anyhow, allergies schmallergies - it doesn't pose a problem: I just dole out a portion just prior to adding the nuts at the end. Problem solved. Cashew Chicken Stir-fry 腰果雞 Grain-free, Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Refined Sugar-free Serves 3-4 Ingredients : 1 tbsp coconut oil 400g skinless, b...

A few posts back I reviewed my experiences with Bullet Journalling and how it has changed my life, organisationally speaking. You can read it here . On embarking on my second journal I approached it with less no-frills function as I had when just starting out, and with a little more flair and personality, now that I know what does and doesn't work for me personally. Check out my lovely Year At a Glance page which includes all the school holidays, birthday and bank holidays neatly colour coded for ease of organisation, ahem, 'at a glance'. My 'Year At A Glance' and Key Pages I am without a doubt an 'Upholder' personality, according to The Four Tendencies devised by Gretchen Rubin, in her book The Happiness Project . I can't recommend this highly enough if you haven't read it - in a nutshell all people fall into one of the Four Tendency categories:  Upholder (adhere rigidly to inner and outer expecations);  Obliger (adhere to outer expecta...

Strawberry season is well and truly in full flow. Supplies are having their annual uptick, heralding the imminence of Wimbledon amongst other British seasonal landmarks. Prices plummet while the quality rockets - the basic price mechanism from school level Economics kicks in in earnest. Plus, the best thing is strawberries grow within our local area so even carbon footprint guilt is entirely eradicated. What's not to love? Fennel Strawberry and Mint Summer Salad (with optional Smoked Mackerel) The sweetness pairs naturally with fresh mint, again abundant in the garden at this time of year. And my love for the more complex aniseed flavour and crunch of fennel carries on. I've used red butterhead lettuce mostly because I had it in the fridge but any delicate flavoured lettuce with a soft texture eg lambs lettuce, will also work. Pair this with flakes of salty smoked mackerel for a rounded lunch in the sun or serve as a side salad for a summer barbecue. Fennel Straw...

The day before was declared the hottest day of the year. Then yesterday was declared the new hottest day of the year. And now today is anticipated to supercede the temperature of yesterday. Phew! Nothing for it but a chilled soup that requires no cooking. Chilled Spinach and Avocado Summer Soup Chilled Spinach and Avocado Summer Soup Grain-free, Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Refined Sugar-free, Nut-free Serves 1 (or 2 as a starter) Ingredients : Baby spinach, 1 large handful (50g), washed and dried Basil leaves, small bunch Mint leaves, approx 15 leaves Celery, 2 small sticks Courgette, 3" piece (60g) 1/2 small ripe avocado (40g), peeled and pitted 1" piece lemongrass, bruised 1/2" piece ginger, peeled 1/4 lime, peeled big pinch chilli flakes 2 tbsp Nutritional yeast sea salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste 1/4 - 3/4 cup water or cold stock/ broth, depending on desired consistency Optional garnish: chilli flakes, pomegranate arils, mint/ ba...

Does anyone, except a former English Literature and Linguistics student, care about the nuances between doughnut versus donut ? Thought not! Easy Chocolate Mini Baked Doughnuts These little one-bite mini versions are simple but chocolatey. Feel free to glaze with a simple coconut oil + high cocoa content chocolate concoction if in the mood for something more decadent. Sprinkles also always an option. Easy Chocolate Mini Baked Doughnuts Grain-free, Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Refined Sugar-free, Nut-free Makes approx 25 mini Ingredients : 1/4 cup (35g) sifted coconut flour 1/4 cup (25-30g) unsweetened cocoa powder, or cacao 1/2 tsp baking powder big pinch sea salt 3 tbsp (50g) coconut oil, melted 4 medium eggs 2 tbsp unsweetened pumpkin puree 1/2 ripe medium banana optional 1-2 tbsp honey, agave or maple syrup Instructions : 1. Preheat oven to 175 degrees celsius, 350 degrees farenheit. 2. Lightly grease a mini doughnut tin with coconut oil (or use silicone ...

Every day when my daughter comes home from school she regales me with details of her school lunch that day down to the exact flavour of yogurt. One of her favourites is 'Mexican Mince' (the fact it is accompanied by a pile of nachos in high probability contributes to this enthusiasm!). Mexican Mince

Has it escaped anyone's notice that bliss balls invariably are a concoction of mushed together nuts/ seeds and dried fruit? And, especially in commercially prepared versions, they veer heavily towards the dried fruit camp - which means in essence it's simply a ball of sugar, albeit 'unrefined'. Raw Brownie Bliss Balls