Category Archives: Children

Raw Chocolate Balls

BallPopsHandBliss Balls, Chocolate Balls, ‘Rum’ Balls, Tuffles; whatever you like to call them – they are delicious! There are approximately 4 million recipes online for different versions of these, and here’s why I like mine.

1. My recipe uses no dates. I don’t really have a problem with dates eaten in moderation, they are delicious and a natural fruit. They are however extremely sweet, and I find can often take over the flavour of raw desserts.

2. These balls are PACKED full of protein, good fats and nutrition from the nuts, seeds and tahini.

3. They are not overly sweet, and make use of the wonderful cinnamon, not only for flavour but to help with balancing blood sugar.

4. They are incredible easy to make, versatile, and use ingredients that you most likely have hanging around in your cupboard.

5. They are delicious and family friendly! If you need them for school lunches, just sub out the nuts with extra seeds.

BallPopIvy

So there you have it. Five great reasons to try out these balls. We have a birthday party coming up!!! (very exciting – any ideas welcome!) and so I fashioned them into ‘pops’ with the use of a fancy straw – kid appeal – very high – job done.

 

 

½ cup sunflower seeds

¼ cup hemp seeds (or quinoa flakes or pepitas)

¼ cup brazil nuts (or macadamias, cashews etc)

¼ cup tahini or almond butter (I used black tahini)

2 tbs chia or flax seeds

¼ cup coconut–desiccated, plus extra for rolling

2 ½ tbs raw cacao powder

1 tsp cinnamon

¼ cup of rice syrup or honey, or to taste

A pinch of sea salt

Up to a tbs water – depending on consistency

Blitz the nuts and seeds in a food processor or blender. …

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An interview with Jude Blereau, Queen of Wholefoods!

I have the great pleasure today of sharing some insights from the fabulous Jude Blereau.Jude is a natural foods chef, author, cooking teacher, food coach and real food activist. She runs a fabulous whole and natural chef training course in Perth, and holds a number of wonderful cooking classes throughout the year in different states of Australia. She is just about to release her 4th book, and I can’t wait to add it to my collection! Her first three books are absolute crackers, and the vegan fig and rhubarb layer cake with vanilla almond cream from last weeks post is based on a wonderful recipe of Jude’s from her first book ‘Wholefood’.

Jude is a huge inspiration to me. Her last book, Wholefood for Children is an absolute winner, and I am constantly recommending it for patients with small children. Chock full of amazing nutritional information for children, it takes you from first foods up to toddlers and beyond with thoughtful, nourishing recipes. There are also plenty of options if you are cooking for kids with allergies and intolerances. Check out Jude’s website for more information.


But for now, make yourself a cuppa and settle in to read some insights from an icon in the world of whole foods.

Can you tell us a little bit about your journey to where you are now?

It’s been a long journey. I have a bit of thing with beauty – and how nature /intelligence expresses itself. I think this may be how I’ve translated my Catholic upbringing. Whilst not a catholic, I am deeply spiritual and find life a mystery and awe- inspiring. Thus things that express this beauty drive me. I started in Kindergarten Teaching (hated it), and ended up in Fashion – I was at a major cross roads in

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Child friendly ‘green’ smoothies, and a Green Smoothie Challenge Update

It’s day 12 of the Green Smoothie Challenge, almost half way!! I hope that those who have decided to give it a go are noticing the benefits! As a serial ‘kale/orange/ginger/version of’ smoothie junkie, I have found the challenge fantastic as it encourages me to branch out and invent new combos. Probably my favourite this week has been this basil, mango, lemon, passionfruit number below – recipe on the .

The next part of the challenge, starting tomorrow, is to rotate your greens! Whilst I am a kale over-user, typically others get stuck on spinach. Take this opportunity to mix it up a bit and throw in some rocket, bok choy, celery, beetroot leaves, green herbs (basil, parsley, coriander, mint) and cos lettuce / romaine, along with spinach and kale. Rotating them in this increases the diversity of nutrients that you are taking in, making sure you are not missing out!

Image from Simple Green Smoothies

I am a big fan of smoothies for kids. When my little one was small(er), her favourite thing was a blueberry, banana and coconut milk smoothie that I used to make her. It’s a fabulous way of keeping the good fats, vitamins and minerals going in during a time when eating is a bit comme ci comme ca. I am yet to get her to try one of my kale numbers, but she is happy to have a go at this Spinach, Berry, Banana smoothie as pictured above.

And what a fantastic hit of nutrients for little ones! Sure, it’s not exactly green, but it is delicious!

Kids Berry Spinach Smoothie

1 orange
1 cup of berries
1/2 large or one small banana
2 big handfuls of spinach
1/2 cup coconut water or water
Blend, serve, awesome!
Or, make this into ‘icy

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