Elevensies

During a recent discussion on the MSE forums I really wanted to share some of my favourite healthy snacks but then I realised... I barely record any of my recipes! And I really struggled to think of more than a few different ideas off the top of my head. I've decided to make a concerted effort to record more of the healthy recipes I make up or improvise, and log more of my meals. Then I can actually make things more than once and give clearer advice!

Right then! So this was actually today's late breakfast but usually I'd have it as a snack: apple topped with cheddar and almond butter.
I know it's not the most appealing looking photo but I wanted to share a quick snap. The cheese provides a little protein and calcium and is just plain tasty. The almonds are high in B vitamins, manganese(bone health), magnesium(too many benefits to list so read this!), vitamin e, tryptophan(regulates mood, sleep and appetite), phosphorus(bone & blood health, calcium absorption) and fiber. And of course, "good" unsaturated fats which reduce bad cholesterol and are the kind of fats you want to eat!

Almond Butter: Roast almonds in a warm oven for ~15 minutes until the skins start to darken, then blend in a food processor with a little bit of coconut oil or olive oil.
When the bowl of the food processor gets smeared with oils from the nuts, your nut butter is ready. Keep blending for a smoother butter that flavours well.
I like making it even more rich and tasty: add cocoa powder and vanilla extract; cinnamon, rum flavouring and raisins; mulled wine spices and minced meat. It's best to mix the minced meat or raisins in by hand or blend very briefly, unless you'd like streaks of gooey fruit in your nut butter.
Store it in the fridge and eat within a month.



Money Saving Mocha:
I make this when I'm craving a treat or something sweet after dinner. It's much cheaper than bought mixes and is healthier too as it contains only unsweetened cocoa, milk and coffee. Use whatever milk you like and if it's not sweet enough for you add a natural sweetener such as raw honey(apparently eating local raw honey can lessen hay fever symptoms), maple syrup, molasses or stevia.

Put 1tsp cocoa in a cup and mix in 1/4 cup of milk. Fill up with boiling water, add 1tsp coffee and stir until it's all dissolved and delicious!

Sunday is my cooking day where I make my lunches, snacks and a batch of something-or-other to eat during the week so I'll be back with more later :)