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Following the Autoimmune Protocol at Easter time?  Never fear ... I have you covered!

This is one of "those" cakes.  

You know the ones.  

The ones that forgive every mistake you make and the ones you don't have to measure exactly.  My favourite kinda cake . . .

The humble pea.  

They may be nutrient dense, however these sweet balls of green are actually on the "avoid" list when on AIP. 

Why?  I hear you ask . . .

Since saying au revoir to gluten some time ago, oats became a thing of my past, and then of course since being on AIP, using rice flakes as an alternative has also come to an sad end. 

But it's not the end of porridge.  There is a new player in town?

Cinnamon.  

A powerful and magical little spice that has been used medicinally around the world for thousands of years.

It’s a spice a adore during the Winter months and thankfully, an approved food on the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP).

Seriously.  What can’t this little gem of spice do!

I’m talking all about alkalising foods at the moment.

What the hell are you talking about? I hear you ask . . .

Are you starting, or thinking about starting the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) yourself? 

Or perhaps on the lookout for a dairy free milk substitute?

Look no further my lovely friend.

Did you know that eating celeriac can help to increase your energy levels?

So I thought I'd give you a little long overdue update on the whole parasite situation going on in my gut ... along with my new plan of attack AND a little say "au revoir parasite" granola . . .

Coconut Cream Icing - It’s so simple to make, it’s refined sugar and fructose free (your liver thanks you!), and if you’re a non-dairy eater like me …. you still get to make your cake and eat it too!

Continuing on from The Gut Chakra Part 1.... 

When this chakra is blocked you’ll most likely experience feelings of low self-worth and of being powerless and stressed.  You have an unhealthy digestive track, adrenal fatigue and develop bad sleep patterns.  Sound like you?  

Bonjour mes amis!

If you’ve been following my adventures on Instagram, you’ll know I’ve been frolicking in France for the past month.  Spending my days walking for miles and eating my body weight in French food.

Now I’m back. 

Well, my physical body is anyway.

I set out on this latest holiday with an open mind (and heart), knowing that France does not lead the world in gluten, sugar and dairy free food options (baguettes, French butter and fromage…hello!).  Surprisingly, they are definitely growing in this area, something I had never noticed on my past visits.

It's not a new concept, and it's definitely not my concept, but I'm a lover and wanted to share how mind-blowingly easy and delicious Cauliflower Rice is.

Whilst I'm currently off grains while my tummy heals (yep, even the gluten free grains), and whilst it's at its peak and in season, cauliflower rice has been a staple in my home.  Not only is it sooo good for our bodies (see here) it's been a wonderful addition to mid-week stir-frys or served alongside a slow cooked casserole made on the weekend.

However you want to eat it, it takes only two steps.

Yep, just 2!

I don’t know the facts behind this little statement, but I’m assuming this was before we bastardised raw cacao and processed it into the cocoa we know and consume today.  I could be wrong!

What I DO know, however is that this quick, nourishing and clean hot chocolate recipe, IS super good for you and your body. 

Wanna know why?

COOKBOOK: Nourish

December 30, 2015 

 Cookbook, Recipe

It's no secret that I'm a fan of the cookbook Love Bake Nourish by Amber Rose, so when she released her new book Nourish, in collaboration with 2 of her talented friends, I was first in line.

Nourish is not your typical cookbook as it's split into 3 sections.  The first section (I'm being honest) is my favourite as it's filled with gorgeous fresh recipes by Amber.  The other 2 sections cover health and nourishment for the mind, body and soul.  This book gives tips, tricks, solutions and answers for getting your health back into shape, stilling your mind and just simply maintaining a positive and happy outlook.  It's simply stunning.

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My Home For The Holidays !

December 27, 2015

Christmas + the countryside = one very happy girl!

It really is pretty simple.  A house surrounded by bushland (no neighbours please!), Bing Crosby, twinkling Christmas lights and a big bowl of fresh prawns.  That's all it takes to make me forget about the working year that's been, allowing my shoulders to drop and the biggest smile to appear permanently on my face.

This is my perfect Christmas, all wrapped up with a big red bow.

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My Christmas Tart !

December 23, 2015 

 Recipe

3 simple words that when said apart, make me smile, but when said together, make me swoon .... Fruit.  Mince.  Tart.

In my old life, these 3 simple little single syllable words would conjure up so many good memories, making me feel comforted, happy and oh so "Christmassy".

Now, having run away from gluten and sugar, these words when said together do (if I'm being honest) bring up a little feeling of deprivation, but more so bring up feelings of sugar highs and slumps, sleepiness and foggy brain.  Not to mention a swollen thyroid!  I’m not one to say “never”, but with the knowledge I now have of how sugar affects my body, I just can’t imaging EVER consuming these little tarts that I once held in such high esteem, again.

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Christmas Cake !

December 20, 2015 

 Recipe

Plump, boozy dried fruit, glace cherries and nuts.  All the things I loved in the Christmas cakes of my past.  The denser and the darker the better.  Cake that would (and could) last for months (if I didn't eat it sooner).  And cake that stayed moist without the need for refrigeration.

My body and taste buds may no longer be able to tolerate these sweet fruit cakes of my youth, but I still have a need (and a desperate want) for a boozy, spicy and dense sliver of cake to sit proudly and lovingly alongside my cup of tea on Christmas day.

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Avocado + Sweet Potato

December 16, 2015

Do you ever get a food fetish where all you think, dream and eat is a particular food? 

I get it ALL the time, and at the moment my fetish is avocado.

I’m eating it like a machine. 

Breakfast, lunch and dinner - there’s no stopping me, and my favourite way of eating it is in this most delightfully, fluffy, light and zingy way….

This is seriously one gorgeous cookbook.  

No bullshit.  

When the lovely people of Murdoch Books sent me the cookbook Love, Aimee x by Aimee Twigger, I was hooked from the first turn of the page.  Oh who am I kidding, the cover alone had me reaching for my rolling pin and apron.   From the photos and home-crafted recipes, to the beautiful styling (and even the font used throughout), this book is feminine, pretty and utterly indulgent.

Aimee Twigger is the incredibly talented lady behind the blog Twigg Studios  and her first cookbook is not only filled with beautiful recipes it's filled with wonderful crafty tips for beautifully wrapping and presenting her creations to be given as edible gifts for any occasion.  Perfectly timed for Christmas!

I've been taken off dairy.  Crap!

I'll happily live my life without twirling wheat pasta, buttering bread with gluten and sucking on sugary lollies, but the thought of not being able to enjoy my daily, creamy, fluffy, life altering cafe latte is killing me.  

Yes, it may only be for the next 6 weeks, but it will be 6 weeks of hell for me and for everyone around me.  That's a promise.  Especially those little sh*ts who insist on drinking their lattes in front of me.  They will pay.  (See - me not drinking my latte could be a health hazard).

I love a goodie bag.  Seriously, who doesn't?  

These gorgeous little bowls just happened to be in my goodie bag that I received at the Noel en Juillet Wokshop recently.  Technically they're not made for food, but when something new comes into my house, the rules are quite simple:  

1.  You must be able to hold food.  

2.  You need to be pretty for photographs.

Voila!