Imperfectly Paleo

Lunch in a flash for when the day is cold and the body is craving something warm, creamy, nourishing and comforting. Quite simply throw everything in a pot, boil, blend, enjoy. Creamy Celeriac and Jerusalem Artichoke Soup

So many festivities requiring a complimentary foodstuff to celebrate and commemorate with this week! After yesterday's Chinese New Year dish I am going to share this pancake recipe I actually created last summer. It's interesting looking at my photos from just over half a year ago - still being the complete amateur photographer that I am, taking all my photos on my ipad with my untrained eye, I'm not sure I'd have styled them quite this way now, nor used the same angles and positioning. Life eh? Ever evolving... Happy Shrove Tuesday x Beetroot Pancakes with Blueberries and Fruit Compote

Happy Chinese New Year of the Monkey! Given there is nothing more in keeping with Chinese celebrations than eating I thought it apt to post a Chinese dish - something very typical of what my mum might make at home. Chicken with Cordyceps Militaris and Pak Choi Not wanting to impose impossible to source ingredients on anyone, this dish is perfectly yummy substituting the cordycep militaris (a fungus used widely in Chinese medicine and cooking) with any conventional mushroom eg shiitake. I know my mum would actually recommend adding in a small handful of cloud ear fungus to this dish but I think one obscure ingredient per recipe may be sufficient!

Affectionately known as The Orange One, this has hints of carrot cake about it, with the cinnamon and spices. The apricots lend a slightly more tart flavour making it perfect as a refreshing breakfast wake-up. Carrot and Apricot Spiced Smoothie Bowl

Deeply comforting with its rich scent of cumin together with the bold colour and flavour of sweet roasted beetroot, this antioxidant packed soup is delightfully delicious. Beetroot and Red Cabbage Cumin Soup with Mixed Seeds and Coconut Cream

Consider this a warning - this is a highly addictive substance. In some circles it could be considered a banned foodstuff in light of its ability to incite overindulgence! Macadamia Nut Superfood Fudge

Kelp noodles are still a new discovery for me but it makes  a nice change from courgette (vegetable) noodles as the texture has much more bite and is slightly crunchy. It amazes me that they are raw, gluten free, low carb and basically made from seaweed and water. Massaged Kale and Kelp Noodle Salad with Chicken

Let me cut to the chase: this was my birthday cake. And a rather significant birthday at that! Which basically meant I had free rein to incorporate all my favourite things - and felt absolutely no obligation to include the things that aren't. Yay! P.S. Best wishes for 2016 - may it be filled with happiness, health and much joy!

Something about the countdown to Christmas is synonymous with an abundance of indulgent goodies. Perhaps it's the sweet joy of being with family and friends, sharing food, festivities and fun. Wrap these delightful little bars as gifts, scatter them on a board for sharing or just sit and savour one by the glow of a cosy fire. Red ribbons optional but chocolate coatings a seasonal necessity!  Carob Seed and Nut Energy Bars

This is one for the serious chocolate lovers - who love it dark, dense, slightly bitter and ever so grown up! Serious Cocoa Fix Sweet Potato Mini Muffins