City Discovery #2: Simonds Park Boston

Hello Beauties,

A new year means new travels, another edition of the new cities adventures. To end my 2017 adventures and start 2018, there is no other place id rather be than in the beautiful city of Boston. 

I am lucky enough to have friends in Boston that I came to visit while on university break. And let me tell you something, Boston this time of year, is absolutely freezing. But with each new day comes new places to visit and new cafes and food spots to discover.

Before new years we visited this snow-covered local park, what was amazing was the kids sledding down the snow mounds on their own sleds. To an Irish person, that’s something we don’t see very often. Especially when we don’t get snow very often, and when we do, it's not snow, its just pure slush. 

Everywhere you look is snow upon snow, it's magical, no matter where you take a picture, there is always something beautiful being captured. Everywhere you look it's a great backdrop.

Block Tench Coat: Primark

 Jumper with Ruffled Neck: Primark

Denim Skirt: Primark

Cashmere Scarf: Dublin Clothing Stall

Cashmere Gloves: Dublin Clothing Stall

I hope you all enjoy this 'wintery' inspired cool toned fashion look, I enjoyed taking these photo's as it feels great being back in the states for a little vacation. Which city is next?

Love Rouxella x

Positivity, Food and Bringing People Together!

It was a long awaited journey which I have been planning to go on since the beginning of last year when I first started following this energetic and positive 'Pear' of guys. The Happy Pear are twins, Dave and Steve from the beautiful Greystones town in Wicklow. They spent a long amount of time travelling the world but not together, separately. Discovering new and different cultures, and of course new foods. Dave and Steve eat a plant based diet and their branding and family shop has grown above and beyond their own expectations. The one thing that captivates me most about 'The Happy Pear' is their values and how much emphasis they put on their family and friends. In today's world, it's not very often that you come across individuals who are as genuine and loving towards everyone that they meet.

The Happy Pears vision for making the world a healthier and happier place has sprouted through their own positive attitude towards not only wholesome and plant based foods but also towards life itself and how lucky we all are to be alive and healthy. Through my own ways of living as healthy and happy as I can, their motto really captivates me. I try to live each day, if not second of my life with a positive and happy attitude to not only keep my own mind healthy and happy but to also make sure I am exuding that positive attitude onto others. They are a part of Jamie Oliver's Foodtube network while also setting up their own Happy Heart Course.

From being a little follower of their social media channels to following their daily snapchats, I made it my mission to go to their cafe and really get my hands on their delicious food which I see every day on either their Instagram or Snapchat. I have created and re-created many of their recipes from both their YouTube channel and their book but to have the chance to go to their cafe and taste the true Happy Pear dishes was just something else.

It is well known that food can bring people together, but it's not just the food that brings us together, it is their attitude towards life. They genuinely care about the people(including me) that support and are followers of their journey from a small fruit and vegetable shop to a No.1 cookbook best-seller. The smile on my face as I watch their daily snapchats is something else, it's almost like I am a child on Christmas morning. So you could only imagine the expression on my face as I travelled to 'The Happy Pear' cafe in Greystones. It was a long time coming, but damn was it worth it. We arrived at the cafe just before lunch time so it was the most perfect and ideal time as we beat the long lines of people who line up daily for their delicious food.

The atmosphere and environment which surrounds the cafe is uplifting, it's all 'go-go-go' and everyone is just smiling and laughing and truly having the giggles with one another. The biggest struggle or issue I had was trying to decide what I wanted to order. There was an array of delicious food, and I wanted to taste it all. My mother and I got two different plates so we could try a few different dishes that they had(very tactical I know). I got a plate full of the different salad options that they had were serving that day. I just asked for everything. I had never tried any of the salad options they had so I was excited to taste it all. My mother got the quinoa and black bean burger which was just phenomenal and definitely had the 'more-ish' taste to it.

The food was so filling and absolutely delicious, everything was so fresh and there is no better feeling than eating wholesome foods which just fills your body with the micronutrients our bodies need and crave. Food's that I wouldn't usually have such as beetroot, chickpeas and hummus were the options I tried and since then, I have introduced them into my daily dishes but of course I can't make them taste just as wonderful as 'The Happy Pear' Chefs do. What was most surprising was how full my mother and I felt all day, we couldn't get over how much it filled us up. These dishes kept us so satisfied throughout the whole day. They were definitely those meals that you just didn't want to end.

For dessert, we just had to buy not just one dessert or a slice of their delicious cake, but we just had to buy a whole loaf of their banana cake/bread. And oh sweet baby Jesus, it was delicious. It was gone in minutes and when we returned back to Cork the following day we were on the hunt for the ingredients of the cake so we could make it ourselves and devour it again and again. It was just so moist and it just melted in your mouth, paired with a perfectly brewed 'Latte' it was the perfect 'pear-ing'. Oh, the puns! We replicated the banana bread/cake as best we could but again, there is just no way you could truly make it taste as good as the real thing. This bread is a staple in our household now, every week see's a new banana bread. And I ain't complaining.

I was in awe, walking around the cafe and looking at all the vegetables and different fruits they have available,. I absolutely love discovering new wholesome and nutritious foods and finding out new information about different superfoods etc. And 'The Happy Pear' cafe just encapsulates the wholesome, delicious and plant-based food motto.

So I hope ye enjoyed this little foodie adventure, I know I did.

 Let's hope there is another 'Happy Pear' adventure coming soon.

Love Rouxella x

Black Forest Gateau Protein Pancakes

Since posting my first pancake recipe I have been on a constant rotation of creating new and exciting pancake recipes with various ingredients and also using different cooking techniques. I can safely say once you start making these protein pancakes you may not be able to stop, seriously. You can see my original recipe post for my ‘Peaches and Cream Protein Pancakes’ also on the blog.

If you follow my Instagram or Facebook then you would know that I recently went blackberry picking with my mother, just doing this brought back all those childhood memories of foresting for fruit out in the countryside and having to go on my father's shoulders as I was too little to pick the best ones that were always high up. This childhood memory made me think of waking up to the smell of freshly made pancakes. Therefore, I just had to make a healthy alternative to the usual pancake recipe which includes eggs, flour and milk.

The base pancake recipe is the exact same as my previous recipe but with different protein powder flavour and toppings. This recipe has been tried and tested many times and definitely works differently depending on the type of protein powder you are using. If you are using a high quality protein powder then they should work out perfectly. Again, this recipe only requires 3 main ingredients with your additional toppings. Due to the ingredients of these pancakes they are also low carb. As you start adding additional toppings the carb content will increase and vary. These pancakes are a great source of protein and perfect for anyone who wants a mix up from your usual morning omelette or protein packed breakfast.

Egg whites contain the majority of the eggs protein content, the egg white is fat-free and contains around 4 grams of protein, 2.3 mg of calcium for our strong bones and teeth and also 53.8 mg of potassium which is said to be necessary for general organ functioning especially the kidneys and the liver. Due to a high amount of individuals lacking the necessary amount of potassium, this may result in high blood pressure and the risk of heart disease or stroke. Greek Yoghurt is a staple for me in my everyday meals. Greek Yoghurt contains a higher amount of protein than milk and is vital for muscle growth and healthier skin and nails. Greek Yoghurt is also packed full of probiotics. Probiotics are healthy bacteria which are said to boost the immune system and help with digestion, a lot of individuals especially in Ireland struggle with digestion. Therefore, consuming more high probiotic and fibrous foods are vital and increasing these foods in your daily meals will make your belly happy and healthy. Chia seeds are packed full of protein and fibre. In just 2/3 teaspoons they contain over 10g of fibre and a whopping 5g of protein. Per gram of chia seeds contains 6 times more calcium than that in milk, an outstanding 8 times more Omega-3 than salmon and a mind blowing 15 times more magnesium than broccoli. Berries are said to keep you mentally sharp with a less decrease in mentally ability with two servings daily while also being associated with reducing the risk of heart disease due to increasing the level of HDL (good) cholesterol and reducing blood pressure. Fruit also contains a high amount of fibre which we need to have a healthy and productive digestive system.

Ingredients

MyProtein Impact Whey Protein( Chocolate Smooth).

3 Egg Whites(O’Egg).
1 teaspoon Baking Powder.
Splash of Water.
Toppings

Glenisk Organic Probiotic Greek Yogurt.
MyProtein Casein(Chocolate).
Adli Whole Chia Seeds.
Walden Farms International Caramel Syrup.

Method

1. In a blender add 3 egg whites and whizz these up to get the egg whites as fluffy and expanded as possible.
2. Once the egg whites have doubled in size I add half of the protein powder. Give it a little mix, then add the second half of protein powder and mix again.
3. Add 1 teaspoon of baking powder and mix till it is all incorporated. I will only add a splash of water if necessary.
4. The pancake mixture should be a thick and smooth batter consistency. I let this mixture sit while heating up a frying pan.
5. Spray pan with frylight or use coconut oil. Pour mixture into pan, cover frying pan with a saucepan lid and flip after 2 minutes when bubbles begin to form on top.
6. Once pancakes are made let the stacking begin. Between each pancake I use the Glenisk Greek yoghurt.
7. When the pancakes are stacked, I top with chocolate casein sauce (1-2tbsp casein, splash water and walden farms caramel syrup) followed by the black forest fruit and sauce( 1-2 tbsp of boiling water with a handful of black forest fruit and chia seeds).

I hope this post gives you some motivation to not only make some protein pancakes,
but to also go blackberry picking with your loved ones,

Love Rouxella x

Peaches and Cream Chocolate Protein Pancakes

Now I know what you’re thinking. Cream? Pancakes? Wait what, Chelsea this can’t be, how is cream and pancakes healthy? Are you a wizard? Well in the kitchen I guess I am. Being the recipe finder and creator that I am, I have trial and tested various protein pancake recipes in order to find the perfect recipe which I can share with ye. I am always reluctant at first when I see recipes online which seem too good to be true, but I was a very happy lady when I tasted these delicious and protein packed pancakes.

Pancakes are definitely something which I crave as a breakfast or brunch, but as we all know, most pancake recipes are full of flour, butter and all those ingredients which make them fluffy and I’m not going to lie..absolutely delicious. Because of this, it means we can’t enjoy them as often as we’d like to. But of course, here I am to share with you this low carb protein pancake recipe which has been my go to breakfast on days which I have time to relax and dance around the kitchen as I wait for them to cook.

I make small/medium sized pancakes which yields around 10-12 pancakes, of course you can make larger ones as well but I love making a big stack which ends up looking like the 'leaning tower of pancakes'. My favourite part of pancakes has to be pairing them with delicious toppings which makes them the ultimate breakfast. If you follow me on snapchat then you know how much I love the whole process of the ‘pancake stacking’.

For these protein packed pancakes, the protein comes from the egg whites and protein powder. It’s up to your own personal preference what protein powder you would like to use, whether it be impact whey protein like I use or a vegan blend. It all depends on your own preference and intolerances. I am continuously using the MyProtein brand protein supplements as I feel they are the best on the market for such an affordable price. MyProtein are the number 1 nutrition brand in Europe and are now expanding into the US. They are well known all over social media and have continuously made improvements to their existing products while also launching new products. They use the finest quality ingredients and offer supplements to suit everyone’s goals and needs.

But enough of all that, let’s talk benefits and toppings.

Egg whites contain the majority of the eggs protein content, the egg white is fat-free and contains around 4grams of protein, 2.3 mg of calcium for our strong bones and teeth and also 53.8 mg of potassium which is said to be necessary for general organ functioning especially the kidneys and the liver. Due to a high amount of individuals lacking the necessary amount of potassium, this may result in high blood pressure and the risk of heart disease or stroke. Greek Yoghurt is a staple for me in my everyday meals. Greek Yoghurt contains a higher amount of protein than milk and is vital for muscle growth and healthier skin and nails. Greek Yoghurt is also packed full of probiotics. Probiotics are healthy bacteria which are said to boost the immune system and help with digestion, a lot of individuals especially in Ireland struggle with digestion. Therefore, consuming more high probiotic and fibrous foods are vital and increasing these foods in your daily meals will make your belly happy and healthy. Chia seeds are packed full of protein and fibre. In just 2/3 teaspoons they contain over 10g of fibre and a whopping 5g of protein. Per gram of chia seeds contains 6 times more calcium than that in milk, an outstanding 8 times more Omega-3 than salmon and a mind blowing 15 times more magnesium than broccoli. Peaches of course are a great source of micronutrients which are full of vitamins and minerals. Adding fruit to your meals is great for increasing your consumption of potassium and fibre and it is also an easy way to get your 5 a day.

Ingredients

Pancakes:

I ½ scoop Impact Whey Protein Powder

3 O’Egg egg whites

100ml water

1 teaspoon baking powder(Aldi)

Toppings:

Glenisk 0% Fat High Protein Greek Yoghurt

Chia Bia Chia Seeds

1-2tbsp MyProtein Chocolate Casein

Walden Farms Caramel Syrup

Peaches(Aldi)

Method

1. In a blender I add 3 egg whites and whizz these up to get the egg whites as fluffy and expanded as possible.
2. Once the egg whites have doubled in size I add 100 ml water, 1 teaspoon of baking powder and half the protein powder. Give it a little mix, then add the second half of protein powder and mix again until it is all incorporated and smooth.
3. The pancake mixture should be a thick and smooth batter consistency. I let this mixture sit while heating up a frying pan.
4. Spray pan with frylight or use coconut oil. Pour mixture into pan, cover frying pan with a saucepan lid and flip after 2 minutes when bubbles begin to form on top.
5. Once pancakes are made let the stacking begin. Between each pancake I use Greek yoghurt.
6. When pancakes are stacked, I top with chocolate casein sauce (1-2tbsp casein, splash water and walden farms caramel syrup).
7. To finish I topped the pancakes with chia seeds, Walden Farms caramel syrup and those delicious chopped up peaches.

Hope your mornings are filled with happiness and pancakes,

Love Rouxella x

Healthy and Indulgent Peanut Butter Cups

Since discovering the Nuts 'n More powdered peanut butter I have used it in literally everything. From smoothies, yoghurt bowls, oats to even healthy desserts. This stuff is amazing, while being a total peanut butter addict it’s great to have a switch up from the regular peanut butter consistency and play around with it in terms of adding it to a variety of recipes. This recipe by far has got to be one of my favourites. To tell you all the truth, I wasn't a fan of peanut butter as a child, I wasn’t overly obsessed with it like I am now.

We all love a naughty Reese’s peanut butter cup. For anyone that loves peanut butter just as much as me then they know how addictive these peanut butter cups can be. Especially now that a variety of Reese's peanut butter products are now available in Ireland, it’s almost like I have to try them all, that if I don’t I won’t get the true Reese’s peanut butter experience. But what If I told you that you didn't have to go out and buy Reese’s peanut butter cups in order to get your peanut butter chocolate fix, that here is a healthier peanut butter cup that you could make yourself which is just as nutty and delicious?

Well here I am again, to grant your wish and make all your peanut butter dreams come through. Here are some healthy peanut butter cups to stop any cravings plus they are not as naughty as your typical peanut butter cup. While I do love my Reese’s peanut butter cups and bars etc. They are loaded with sugar and processed ingredients. So why not get a bit creative in the kitchen and create your own peanut butter cups? What I love most about creating these recipes, especially when I am making a healthy alternative to our naughty cravings is that you can add in whatever you like and make it your own.

This recipe only requires 4 main ingredients with whatever toppings you may like to add. This recipe is rich and indulgent without being full of sugar and unhealthy processed fats. The marcos for this recipe will be shown below, I created this nutritional macro table using MyFitnessPal. It’s a great tool to use to find out the nutritional information on recipes you create or any products you may come across.

Cacao powder comes from the cacao bean which are roasted and ground. Cacao contains over forty times the amount of antioxidants you find in blueberries. Cacao is full of antioxidant compounds with many health benefits such as being a rich antioxidant. Cacao contain flavonoids which is a chemical that promotes general bodily health and is said to lower the risk of various diseases such as cancer. It is also said to be great for your cardiovascular health, with its high magnesium content it will be sure to contribute to a healthy heart. Cacao is said to be a natural mood booster, containing chemicals such as serotonin, dopamine, anandamide and phenylethylamine. These chemicals are known as neurotransmitters which are said to be linked to those happy and positive feelings. Nuts as we all know are great sources of healthy fats. Nuts are full of omega 3’s which contribute to healthy skin and nails and also brain function while also containing a high amount of fibre, fibre is an essential part of our daily consumption in order to have a healthy functioning digestive system. Nuts are also packed full of protein so they are a great addition to your daily meals.

Ingredients

2 tbsp Iswari Cacao Powder

2 tbsp Vita Coco Coconut Oil

2 tbsp Nuts 'n More Powdered Peanut Butter

2 tbsp Walden Farms Caramel Syrup (Or Agave)

Water

Method

1.     Start by prepping the 4 ingredients listed above along with the cupcake cases in a cupcake tray.

2.     Add 1 tablespoon of coconut oil to a saucepan. When the coconut oil has melted, add in 1 tablespoon of cacao powder. I also added 1 tablespoon of Walden farms caramel

syrup to this mix to sweeten it.

3.     When the mixture is smooth with no lumps, take it off the heat and pour 1-2 teaspoons into the bottom of each cupcake case.

4.     Pop these into the fridge or freezer to set. While in the fridge/freezer mix 2 tablespoons of Nuts' n More powdered peanut butter with water (add water gradually until you get a thick yet loose mixture).

5.     After 20 minutes in freezer or 1 hour in fridge take them out. Add 1 teaspoon of peanut butter mixture on top of hardened chocolate.

6.     Melt up 1 tablespoon of cacao powder, coconut oil and caramel syrup mixture again and add another 1-2 teaspoons on top of peanut butter mixture (Add any additional toppings) and put back in the fridge/freezer to set. I left these for 1 hour in the freezer to set properly.

Hope you enjoyed this sweet treat recipe,
 these are a rich and indulgent cup of healthy goodness.

Love Rouxella x

The Ultimate Chilli Smoked Salmon and Egg Bagel

When it comes to breakfast and setting yourself up for the day there is no better feeling than getting a bit adventurous in the kitchen. Working Monday to Friday with having my breakfast prepped the night before means that the variation and creativity isn’t really apparent on my weekday's. But when the weekend comes around, things get serious and my innovation cap goes on. I am always on the look out on social media and my favourite health blogs for something I can dish up which doesn’t take a lot of time and which requires ingredients which I have on hand. What I love about researching and creating recipes is the fact that I can switch things up and play around with what I have at home.

Every few weeks we get treated by my grandparents to fresh smoked salmon. So when I have that on hand, everyone in the house knows that it's bagel stacking time. I absolutely love having my Country Kitchens Bagel Slims, I have always loved having bagels since I was a child. These bagels are perfect for breakfast or even lunch as they are still very filling yet don’t leave you feeling bloated or uncomfortable. These bagels are not as thick and dense as a regular bagel, they are multi-seeded so they are a great source of healthy fats.

Now let's talk stacking! The only way to truly devour a delicious bagel is to begin with stacking your beautifully prepared ingredients. This is by far my favourite bagel combination as of late. This breakfast creation contains all three macro nutrients such as carbohydrates, protein and healthy fats.

Button mushrooms are the most used and known mushrooms which are consumed daily all over the world. Referred to as the Agaricus bisporus mushrooms or 'nature's nutritional supplement'. These mushrooms are loaded with the nutrients needed by our bodies for energy and repairing cells. Mushrooms have been linked with improving our immune system within improving circulation and fighting off infections. They are also said to help with the prevention of cancerous cells forming in our bodies. Tomatoes are loaded with vitamins and minerals and are well known for good stomach health and reducing blood pressure. Tomatoes are rich in antioxidants and aid with protecting the kidneys and detoxifying the body naturally. Smoked Salmon is a great source of protein, with over 15 grams in each 3 oz serving size. It is a great source of vitamin B and vitamin D which us Irish lack a lot of since we aren't in contact with much sunlight. Smoked salmon contains healthy fats such as omega 3 fatty acids which are great for healthy skin, hair and brain function. Double the protein kick with Eggs, eggs are a great source of high quality protein which 50% comes from the egg white along with vitamin B2. The egg white which is also rich in minerals such as zinc, iron and copper. Eggs are known as the ‘complete’ source of protein as they contain all eight of the essential amino acids. Chilli is great for not only adding a bit of flavour and heat but it also has great nutritional benefits. They are a great source of vitamin A,B which reduces high homocysteine level, C which reduces the risk of colon cancer and E. They are also known for improving your metabolism and help with reducing the risk of heart disease.

Ingredients

1 Country Kitchen Multi-seeded Bagel Slim(Tesco)

Handful Button Mushrooms(Lidl)

Handful of Cherry Tomatoes(Lidl)

Smoked Salmon

Poached Egg(Lidl)

Lidl Jalapeno Tomato Relish(Lidl)

Method

1. Boil up water in a small saucepan. You know the water is hot enough when little bubbles begin to form along the edge of the saucepan.
2. Sliced the button mushrooms, chop the cherry tomatoes in half and place on a small frying plan. I don’t use any oil as I find the water content from the mushrooms and the juice from the tomatoes give enough moisture to the pan.
3. When bubbles start to form in the saucepan then swirl the water with your spoon and gently crack the egg into the swirling water. (The yolk should be soft to the touch)
4. Toast up bagel(These bagels don't need as much time as regular bagels).
5. While everything is cooking, prep your smoked salmon for layering.
6. When everything is ready, lay out toasted slim bagel on your plate, first layer is your mushrooms followed by your tomatoes, smoked salmon and then your perfectly poached egg.
7. I also like to top mine with the Lidl Jalapeno Tomato relish and some chilli flakes. Now enjoy cutting into that perfectly poached egg.

I hope ye all enjoyed this healthy and delicious breakfast recipe post,

I know I enjoyed creating and eating it!

Love Rouxella x

Chilli and Herb Sweet Potato Fries

So here I am with another delicious and nutritious recipe post. Since the end of last year I have been obsessed with making sweet potato fries. It took me forever to get this recipe just right, and when I say forever. I literally mean months to figure out how to get that crunchy and crispy outside. There is nothing worse than having soggy sweet potato fries. There has been various failed attempts with trying different recipes, prepping techniques and cooking methods. I finally found the PERFECT way to not only prep but cook my sweet potato fries. Being honest, I call them fries but they are really chunks. This recipe is so easy and literally takes two minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to cook. All to get that real ‘crispy’ outer layer.

And just wait till I tell you the biggest secret of all. Are you ready for the shocker? There is NO OIL needed. No vegetable oil, no coconut oil.. nothing. So for anyone that tells you that you need oil to get that crispy outer layer and the soft inside just show them this post. Now having said that, this doesn’t mean I have anything against using coconut oil, I absolutely love using coconut oil and I use it in both sweet and savoury recipes. You can adapt this recipe like all my other recipes to your own preference and taste. As you know me by now, I absolutely love my spice and chilli kick. Every meal I prep has always got to have a bit of spice.

There are huge benefits when it comes to adding sweet potatoes into your diet. One medium sweet potato will provide you with 4 times the recommended daily allowance of vitamin A. Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamin C which is great for fighting off flu’s and common colds, as well as vitamin B6 which is linked to reducing the risk of heart disease. They are a great source of vitamin D which us irish are very deprived of, therefore many of us get it from supplements. Because we lack that source of vitamin D from the sun it is very important that our main source of vitamin D is from the foods we eat. Vitamin D helps with restoring energy levels as it has a lower sugar spike compared to a normal white potato and helps with keeping our bones and teeth healthy and strong. Sweet potatoes are a great source of good carbohydrates which won't leave you feeling bloated and tired as they are not full of starch and are great source of fibre with 7g per serving.

Ingredients

One medium sweet potato

2 tbsp Mixed Herbs

2 tbsp Chilli Flakes

1 tbsp Chilli Powder/Paprika

Method

1.Start off by giving your sweet potato a quick rinse and dry the skin with some kitchen paper. You want the skin to be fully dry before cutting.

2.Cut your sweet potato into the shape you desire(leaving the skin on), I find that cutting them into thick chunks work best for that crispy outer layer and it allows them to bake more consistently.

3.Place on a tray lined with parchment paper/ baking paper and cover with the paprika/chilli powder, mixed herbs and finally the chilli flakes. You want to make sure that all sides of the sweet potato fries are covered to get the most out of the flavour of the spices.

4.Place in a preheated oven at 180/190 degrees. After 20 minutes you will need to turn over your sweet potato fries and allow them to bake for another 10-15 minutes.

5.You will know when they are baked perfectly when they turn a golden brown shade and are crispy on the outside and soft in the middle.

6.Serve up and enjoy! I love pairing my sweet potato fries with a nicely cooked steak or even topped with a chilli con carne/bolognese, low fat cheese and jalapenos for a healthy version of taco fries.

Hope ye enjoyed this delicious recipe post perfect for any night in, 

Love Rouxella x

Healthy & Homemade Spicy Cajun Chilli Turkey Burgers

Here’s another amazing food recipe that I have for you all. After seeing countless amount of turkey burgers being sold in butchers across Ireland, especially the beautiful creations that Kerrigans Foods for Fitness are starting to produce and sell. Their burgers are being raved about all over Instagram by various food and fitness bloggers. A few weeks ago I began to experiment with different flavours and ingredients, but first I had to make sure that I was buying the highest quality of turkey mince while still being affordable. I started to ask multiple butchers in my area about what they have to offer and the prices that they charge. I purchased the turkey mince from CL Meats and all the vegetables and chilli from Lidl.

I have made an abundance of turkey burgers in a variety of flavours. But being the spice lover that I am, the first turkey burgers that I created were ‘Spicy Cajun Chilli Turkey Burgers’. What I love about making everything from scratch is the ability to experiment with different flavours and ingredients and of course, the ability to adapt a recipe to meet your dietary needs and your taste preferences. I am all for the spice and chilli kick so feel free to use as much or as little as you like. As you will see from the ingredients below I didn’t use any egg or 'binding' ingredient as I feel as though once they are chilled/frozen they hold their shape perfectly.

Ingredients

500g Turkey Mince

½ White Onion

½ Red Onion

2 Small Red Chilli’s(deseeded)

1 tbsp of Paprika

1-2 tbsp of Cajun Spice

1 heaped tsp of Garlic Powder

Method

1.Begin by laying out all the ingredients on your table and putting all the mince in a medium sized mixing bowl. Chop up the white onion, red onion and of course those glorious red chilli’s into very small pieces.

2.Once all those are chopped you can then add it to the mince. Next, add your spices. Mine consisted of paprika, cajun spice and garlic powder. I would always add fresh garlic but at the time I didn't have any on hand so the garlic powder is a great alternative.

    3.Once you have all your ingredients in your mixing bowl all you have to do now is mix it all together, make sure you have everything mixed well. This starts the process of enhancing and marrying all the flavours together.

    4.Scoop out a rough amount of the mixture and mould them into medium sized turkey burgers, I always just wrap them up in tinfoil. I usually keep 2 in the fridge and the rest in the freezer. I usually get 4/5 burgers depending on whether I go for a medium sized or a generous medium sized.

This mixture freezes brilliantly well and they taste exactly the same as the turkey burgers you cook fresh. I throw them straight into the oven still in the tinfoil wrapping and cook them at 180C for around 20 minutes until lightly brown. Having them in the tinfoil keeps them moist and juicy and doesn't dry them out.

Hope you enjoyed this recipe post, let's all get cooking together.

Love Rouxella x

Fruity Swirl Porridge Oats

Hello Beauties,

Looking for the perfect start to your day? Find yourself trying to come up with new porridge ideas? My whole reason for beginning these healthy food posts is to really inspire people on how easy it is to incorporate nutritious and feel good food into your lifestyle.

I absolutely love starting my day with a delicious bowl of porridge/oats. I find myself thinking of new flavour ideas and new topping ideas regularly. Starting my morning with a warm bowl of porridge/oats sets me up for the day as it is highly nutritious and will give you a great amount of energy with its high protein content and whole grain source of carbohydrates. Whole grains are absorbed by the body slower than starch based carbs such as bread and pasta. Porridge oats will leave you feeling fuller for longer and give you that boost of energy for a longer period of time instead of a drastic energy boost and dip.

Oats are a great source of fibre which of course is great for your digestive system. They also contain beta-glucan which is a type of fibre which when consumed regularly has been found to lower cholesterol levels.

Nutrient levels can be easily heightened by adding a variety of different toppings. Try to stay away from pre-flavoured oats as they are packed full of unnatural and un-nutritious ingredients. My favourite topping staples would have to be whole chia seeds, cacao powder, cacao nibs, nuts, dried fruit and of course fresh fruit(Aldi Finest). It's completely up to your own preference and taste but it should be noted that adding flavour to your regular porridge isn't as difficult as one may think.

Ingredients

1/2 Cup Oats

1 1/2 Cups Water/ Milk( of your choice)

2 Tbsp The Chia Co Chia Seeds

2 Tbsp Ground Cinnamon
White Chocolate Skinny Syrup

Heated frozen Raspberry

1/2 Kiwi

1/2 Plum

Iswari Exotica Cacao Nibs
Sprinkle Shamrock Desiccated Coconut 

Method

1.    Add half cup of oats to saucepan on medium heat and add 1 cup of water. As it begins to thicken I like to add 1/2 cup more of water to really expand the volume of oats.

2.    While the oats are beginning to heat up I add a few frozen raspberries in a small bowl and add 2-3 tbsp of boiling water and mash them into a raspberry sauce/ compote consistency.

3.    Add chia seeds to oats in saucepan , after a few minutes on heat you will see them begin to thicken up the porridge quite easily. I then add two tbsp of cinnamon and a splash of the white chocolate syrup. Once satisfied with consistency I add it straight into a bowl.

4.    Add raspberry sauce to porridge and swirl around with spoon for that swirl design. Slice a kiwi and a plum and layer on top of porridge, finish with a few frozen raspberries and a sprinkle of cacao nibs.

It all depends on your own preference and what flavours, toppings you like. I love coming up with different ideas and to really experiment with different flavour combinations. Porridge doesn't need to be stodgy or boring, get creative, share your porridge bowl creations online. My inspiration definitely comes from The Happy Pears morning snapchats so make sure to follow them @thehappypear.

Hope you enjoyed this recipe post, make sure to tag me in your re-creations!

Love Rouxella x