Imperfectly Paleo

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