in my kitchen · posts

In my Kitchen-May 2014

Moya30 Comments

vanilla bean paste on a spoon and vanilla beanSomething a little different this week. This post is inspired by Celia’s blog, Fig Jam and Lime Cordial and she runs a monthly theme “In My Kitchen“, where bloggers showcase some of their kitchen treasures. If you are a blogger why not join in and let us have a peek at what’s in your kitchen.

In my kitchen you will always find vanilla and lots of little spoons. Filled with vanilla paste, this heart-shaped spoon with an infinity knot on the handle symbolizes how much we love the flavor of vanilla in our family. It’s easy to make your own vanilla bean paste, especially if you bulk buy vanilla beans. Continue reading “In my Kitchen-May 2014” →

appetizers · food for sharing · shellfish

Prawns with a Spicy Mango Chutney | Food for Sharing

Moya8 Comments

Prawns in shooter glasses with a Chilli Mango ChutneyHave you ever encountered a taste and fragrant smell of something so deliciously edible… a moment that left you with a powerful sensory memory, forever ingrained! Many years ago my brothers flatmate brought back fresh mangoes from a trip to India and when visiting (my brother), Jemma insisted I try this incredible fruit. The exotic aroma, the rich sweet taste, the texture and colour… I loved everything about mango from that moment. Continue reading “Prawns with a Spicy Mango Chutney | Food for Sharing” →

breakfast dishes · food + drink · recipes

A Smoothie with Oatmeal, Raspberries, Blueberries and Chia Seeds: Breakfast in a Glass

Moya10 Comments

Oatmeal Smoothie with Raspberries, Blueberries and Chia SeedsFruit and oats are favorites for breakfast and taste even better when blended into a delicious smoothie with Oatmeal, Raspberries, Blueberries and Chia seeds. And the good part is… the whole process only takes a few minutes from start to finish. If you enjoy making smoothies it’s a good idea to store a variety of fruits separately (in ziplock freezer bags) in your freezer, such as raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, cherries and bananas. When blending, the frozen fruit helps thicken and chill the smoothie without the need for ice, which only dilutes the flavor. I also keep a bag of oats in the fridge, especially for smoothies, keeping everything really cold. Adding oats makes the smoothie more filling and perfect for anyone who wants to have an all-in-one type of breakfast.Oatmeal Smoothie with Raspberries, Blueberries and Chia SeedsThe wonderful thing about smoothies is you can use different fruits and other ingredients, like rice, soy and coconut milk, coconut water and tofu… to suit your taste and dietary requirements. You can also stir in other healthy energy boosters such as chia seeds, ground flax-seed or ground nuts. To sweeten or not to sweeten… a little honey or agave syrup is suffice. You can even go vegan with this lovely Peach Oatmeal Smoothie recipe over at the Minimalist Bakers blog or you might want to try this Avocado Smoothie with Cinnamon. Have a great start to your day and blend up a healthy satisfying smoothie for breakfast.

A Smoothie with Oatmeal, Raspberries, Blueberries and Chia Seeds

(Serves One)

Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup low-fat milk
  • 100g greek yoghurt or other plain yoghurt (full-fat or low-fat)
  • 3 tablespoons of oats
  • 100g of frozen berries (mix of raspberries and blueberries)
  • 1/4 teaspoon Chia seeds (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon honey (optional)

How to make:

  1. Place a serving glass into the freezer. Add all the ingredients into a blender and blend on low-speed for a few seconds before increasing the speed to full power. Blend until ingredients are thoroughly mixed. Pour the smoothie into a chilled glass and serve immediately.

What fruit do you like in your smoothies and do you like to add any special extras?