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Pinterest challenge: paprika chicken & spinach with white wine butter sauce

Paprika chicken & spinach with white wine butter thyme sauce recipeSince our new arrival is due in the moment, I started to think of simple recipes for dinners to come. You know, the ones does not require slow cooking or lots of preparation. The recipe that I found on The Kitchen Paper have promised it all! This chicken was definitely the quickest dinner I have ever made (almost). The recipe is bellow.

PAPRIKA CHICKEN & SPINACH WITH WHITE WINE BUTTER SAUCE adopted from The Kitchen Paper

  • 2 large chicken breasts, cut into strips (even quicker to cook!)
  • 2 tsp paprika
  • salt & pepper (don’t be stingy here)
  • 2 knobs of butter butter, about 70g (I used oil instead, but butter would have been better)
  • small bunch fresh thyme leaves
  • 3 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 glass of dry white wine
  • 1 large handful of frozen spinach

1. Season the chicken breasts pieces with the paprika, salt and pepperPaprika chicken & spinach with white wine butter thyme sauce recipe2. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the chicken breast pieces and fry them for 3 min before adding thyme and garlic. Cook, stirring the thyme and garlic around, for about 2 minutes before adding the wine and frozen spinach.Paprika chicken & spinach with white wine butter thyme sauce recipe3. Bring the wine to a gentle simmer and let cook for 20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, make sure the chicken is done, and serve with couscous or other grain of your choice.Paprika chicken & spinach with white wine butter thyme sauce recipe Paprika chicken & spinach with white wine butter thyme sauce recipeEnjoy!

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Spelt churros

Spelt churrosChurros are one of the things I wanted to try making that involved deep frying. And I finally did it! I made it with spelt flour. Why? Because Joni and me have lately visited the Waffle House in St. Albans (worth visiting if in that part of England) and we tasted the most wonderful savoury spelt flour waffle. So that was the reason why I though of making churros with spelt! The result was nice, but was not too sure if it matched well with honey. I would like to try it with savoury topping one day.

SPELT CHURROS

  • 60g butter
  • 240ml water
  • 2 tbsp golden caster sugar
  • pinch of salt
  • 75g plain flour
  • 50g spelt flour
  • 1 tbsp single cream
  • oil for deep frying
  • icing mixed with cinnamon for dusting (if you want to have it sweet)

1. Make the dough. Over medium heat melt butter and combine it with sugar, salt and water. Just before the mixture begins to boil, turn the heat down to low and add in the flours. Stir until a thick paste begins to form. Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature. Add eggs and cream gradually until it turns into something similar to butter frosting (easy to pipe through)

2. Place the dough into a piping bag fitted with a star tip . I wish I fitted a smaller piping tip as the churros really puffs up when they fry and the middle does not cook enough.Spelt Churros3. Heat the oil in a pot to 180C. Pipe the churros into the hot oil. Cook on each side for 45 seconds.Spelt Churros4. Dust churros with icing sugar and cinnamon if you want them sweet or serve them with something savoury. Spelt ChurrosI have been dipping them in honey, but was not too sure if that was the best match.Spelt ChurrosEnjoy!

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Piccalilli

My piccalilli recipeHey! It’s Autumn here and what is Autumn without canning? I do like to make preserves and when Joni suggested to make piccalilli I got excited as I thought it would be really cool to make it.  Piccalilli is a great condiment that is tasty in sandwiches and pairs well with cheddar cheese. Yum!My piccalilli recipePICCALILLI

Makes about 2-2.5kg

  • 1 small cauliflower, chopped
  • 1/2 head broccoli, chopped
  • 2 courgettes, chopped
  • 5 green chillies, finely chopped
  • 200g green beans, chopped into smaller bits
  • 200g cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
  • 2 medium onions, pealed and roughly chopped
  • 50g salt
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp mustard powder
  • 2 tbsp mustard seeds
  • 2 tbsp ground cumin
  • 2 tbsp turmeric
  • 1/2 whole nutmeg, grated
  • 4 tbsp flour
  • 600ml cider vinegar
  • 2 cox apples, grated
  • 1 mango, pealed and chopped
  • 6 tbsp runny honey
  • 3 cloves garlic, crushed and finely chopped

1. Place all the vegetables in a large bowl, sprinkle with the salt and cover it with water. Leave it in a cool place for 2 hours, then drain thoroughly.My piccalilli recipe2. Heat a large saucepan. Add the oil to the pan, then fry the mustard seeds, mustard powder, cumin, turmeric and nutmeg for few seconds. Lower the heat, add the flour and a splash of vinegar and stir to make a thick paste.

3. Gradually add the remaining vinegar while whisking all the time to make a smooth paste with no clumps.

4. Add the apples, mangoes, garlic and honey and cook for 2–3 minutes. 

5. Drain the salted vegetables and add them to the pan, stirring well to coat with the spice paste. Cook for 15 minutes until the vegetables have just softened and released juice.

6. Spoon Piccalilli into sterilised jars and close the lids tightly.My piccalilli recipe My piccalilli recipeHappy autumn canning ;-)

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Pinterest challenge: brown butter peach ice cream cake

Brown butter peach ice cream cake recipeI have not done Pinterest challenge for a while now and since I was experimenting with ice cream lately, I thought I will try to make another form of ice cream – cake. Last weekend we went to friend’s B&Q, so ice cream cake was quite appropriate! I came across this recipe and I was sure I wanted to make it straight away. Peaches (although I prefer Nectarines) is something that I am addicted to right now (it’s in season!). The cake turned out to be glorious! However the only thing I would change is make half less of the cake base and double amount of the ice cream. Yum!Brown butter peach ice cream cake recipeBROWN BUTTER PEACH ICE CREAM CAKE adopted from O&O Eats

(for the ice cream)

  • 4 large ripe nectarines
  • juice of 1/2 a lemon
  • 150 g caster sugar (100g for nectarines and 50g for egg cream)
  • 300 ml double cream
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 2 large egg yolks

(for the cake)

  • 170 g unsalted butter
  • 150 g caster sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 180 g plain flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 80 ml whole milk, room temperature

 

  • hand full assorted stone fruits and berries for topping

1. Peel and roughly chop nectarines, place in a medium bowl then add lemon juice and 100g sugar. Stir to combine, then cover and let sit for 20 to 30 minutes. Puree nectarines with hand blender or food processor.Brown butter peach ice cream cake recipe2. Combine remaining 50g sugar, cream, and salt in a medium saucepan. Warm the mixture over medium low heat. Whisk egg yolks in a medium bowl. While continuously whisking, slowly ladle a half cup of the warmed cream to the eggs. Scrape the egg mixture back into the saucepan with the rest of the cream and stir with a wooden spoon or spatula. Continue stirring, until the mixture thickens enough to lightly coat the spoon (this will take about 10 min). Immediately take off heat and pour over the peach puree. Stir to combine and place in fridge until completely chilled.Brown butter peach ice cream cake recipe3. While the ice cream is chilling, make the cake. Place the butter in a stainless steel saucepan or skillet. Turn the heat to medium and melt the butter. While occasionally swirling the pan, continue cooking until it becomes foamy on top. Keep swirling until the solids at the bottom of the pan take on an amber colour and the butter smells nutty, this will happen quickly so keep a watchful eye. Immediately turn off heat and transfer to a heatproof bowl to cool at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes. Transfer to fridge and chill until solid, about 1 hour. If you wish, you can make the brown butter a day in advance.Brown butter peach ice cream cake recipe4. Preheat oven to C180 degrees. Prep a springform pan by greasing it with butter and lining the bottom and the sides with baking paper. Remove the brown butter from the fridge and place it into the mixer. Add sugar and beat it for 2 to 3 minutes until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, scraping down the sides of the bowl each time, and mix until just incorporated. Add flour, baking powder, salt and mix to combine. Transfer batter to the springform pan, level it with your spatula, and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until golden and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool to room temperature.Brown butter peach ice cream cake recipeBrown butter peach ice cream cake recipe5. Churn the peach ice cream base in your ice cream machine. Since I have no ice cream machine I placed nectarine cream mixture into baking tin and freezer and whisked it every 30 min till the ice cream has reached soft serve consistency. Spread the ice cream over the cake in one even layer and place it in freezer and let it harden for at least 4 hours.Brown butter peach ice cream cake recipe6. Place any kind of stone fruits or berries your heart desires on top, slice, serve, and enjoy!Brown butter peach ice cream cake recipeRasa xoxo

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A healthier coke float

A healthier coke floatLast week I tried making popsicles for the very first time. This week I thought I will give a try on making an ice-cream float. I have never tried a soda float that I liked, but I definitely like the idea of it! I tried root beer float in the past and I hated it, maybe it’s not my cup of tea (maybe root beer requires acquired taste). Anyhow I decided to go with coke this time and make it slightly healthier than usual recipes I have seen. Just because (I am not quite sure why I went with this challenge at all!)…

First I thought I will make diary free and low fat almond milk ice cream. I thought the taste of coke and almond would go well together, a bit like amaretto and coke! I froze some almond milk with a small amount of ground almond in the cups…A healthier coke float: attempt to make almond milk ice-creamBut when I whizzed it in the food processor (because I don’t have ice-cream maker), it turned into something of sorbet consistency.  Not something I would put on top of the coke!A healthier coke float: attempt of making almond milk ice-creamNext I thought I will make the coconut milk ice-cream (something safer as many I heard tried and made this successfully). Not as low fat, but still on the healthy side ;-). Here is the recipe!

COCONUT COKE FLOAT

(for ice-cream)

  • 1 400ml can coconut milk (choose the creamiest brand like “Chaokoh”)
  • 1 tsp stevia

(for soda)

  • coke life

1. First make the ice-cream, strain the coconut milk loosely so liquid separates from cream as much as it can. Mix the stevia into the cream and freeze the mixture for 3-5hours.A healthier coke float: making coconut milk ice-cream2. Once the cream is frozen (in shallow container preferably), break it up and whizz it in food processor. A healthier coke float: making coconut ice-cream3. The mixture will become chalk like, but don’t worry! Once you start mixing it, the ice-cream should loosen up and gain cream texture (which is what we want! right?). A healthier coke float: making coconut milk ice-cream4. Finally, time to enjoy this ice-cream float! Pour the coke into the glass and then scoop the ice-cream on top. Alternativelly you can scoop the ice-cream first into the glass and then pour coke over it.A healthier coke floatEnjoy!

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Homemade Solero

Passion fruit & cream popsicles recipeIf you have been reading this blog for a while, you probably know that I looooooove ice-cream (not only in summer)! I have made many type of ice-creams in the past, although I feel there are so many types still to try. During weekend I made my first batch of popsicles! I sneakily tried to copy Solero ice-cream, because that is my favourite popsicle in the whole world (I first tasted it when I was 14 years old and I basically fell in in love with it!).

To make these popsicles was quite a challenge. I wanted plain ice-cream completely concealed in frozen fruit juice. Since I never buy special equipment to make the ice-cream I thought of first freezing cream part in smaller cups and then dip them in fruit juice that is in bigger cups. For the smaller cups I used plastic disposable cups that made it difficult to remove the ice-cream pops from them, especially when Ice-cream is softer than ice. For the bigger cups I used silicone cupcake moulds that worked so much better!

PASSION FRUIT & CREAM POPSICLES

(for ice-cream)

  • 250ml whipping cream
  • 200g condensed milk

(for fruit juice ice)

  • 60ml (1/4cup) orange juice
  • 170g passion fruit pulp (either from a can or from around 6 passion fruits)

1. First make the ice-cream part. Whisk the cream and carefully combine it with condensed milk. Spoon the mixture into the smaller cups than the cups for the final freezing (it’s best to use silicone ones for easy removal). Insert popsicle sticks into each filled cup before freezing (I used coffee stirrers instead since I had some leftover at home). For best result freeze it overnight. Passion fruit & cream popsicles recipe2. Once the ice-cream is completely frozen then prepare the second cups for the final freezing. Pour a small amount of orange juice mixed with passionfruit pulp into each cup. Passion fruit & cream popsicles recipe3. Dip the ice-cream pops into prepared cups. pour some extra fruit juice on top if it does not cover the cream completely. Freeze them for at least 3 hours.Passion fruit & cream popsicles recipeThese may not look exactly like Solero, but they taste amazing!Passion fruit & cream popsicles recipe Passion fruit & cream popsicles recipeEnjoy!

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Funnel cakes

Basic funnel cake recipeI wanted to try making funnel cakes for ages, but what was stopping me is the fear of deep-frying. I imagined overheating the oil and burning myself with it! It turned out it was’t the case. The oil heated quite gradually and it wasn’t spitting at me as I though it would (although I made Joni to stay the whole time with me in case of any emergencies :-D).

The process of deep-frying was so fun that I even started thinking of other things I could deep-fry. First I thought that funnel cake batter is pretty basic that could easily be manipulated for different flavours. Then I remembered Joni’s favourite deep-fried courgettes in batter (one of his favourite foods in Italy).  Then I thought of Lithuanian desert “Antfill”, donuts, cronuts, churros and so on… If only deep-frying did not cause so much oil waste :-(. Basic funnel cake recipeFUNNEL CAKES

  • 1 egg
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 225g plain flour
  • pinch of salt
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 250ml milk
  • oil for deep-frying
  • icing sugar for dusting

1. First make the batter by beating eggs with sugar until light and fluffy. Then add flour, salt, baking powder, milk and mix everything to combine.

2. Transfer the batter into the piping bag or squeeze bottle.

3. Heat a pan with 3cm of oil to 180-190C. I used a stick thermometer to make sure the oil does not overheat.

4. Cook until golden on one side then carefully using tongs turn the funnel cake over and cook on the other side until golden.Basic funnel cake recipe5. Remove and drain on paper towel, then top with powdered sugar.Basic funnel cake recipe Basic funnel cake recipe Basic funnel cake recipeEnjoy!

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Happy marriage cake

Happy marriage cake recipeHappy marriage cake it is not a made up name for a cake, it’s a traditional Icelandic name for rhubarb jam tart. I first tried this cake on an airplane (a location not generally associated with fine patisserie, but I was craving something sweet) and I was’t impressed. But I saw potential in this cake and I knew that I could make it taste moist and wholesome. After all this cake needed to live up to it’s wonderful name!Happy marriage cake recipeFor the filling I have made a strawberry and rhubarb jam because I wanted it in pink colour and I was never able to get that colour just from rhubarb (I don’t know how other bakers do it?!). I added oatmeal to the crust as that seemed traditional for this cake.Happy marriage cake recipeHAPPY MARRIAGE CAKE

(for the filling)

  • 220g rhubarb, chopped
  • 120g strawberries
  • 150g sugar

(for the crust)

  • 200g butter, softened
  • 130g sugar
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 85g oats
  • 170g flour
  • 1tsp cinnamon

1. Make the jam filling first. Place the chopped rhubarb, strawberries and sugar into a small pan and bring to the boil (splash some water to begin with so it does burn). Cook for about 10-15 minutes until the mixture is thick and jammy. You then can puree the mixture with the hand processor if you prefer smooth texture.

2. Make a crust dough by creaming butter with sugar till it is light and fluffy. Gradually add egg yolks, oats, flour and cinnamon and mix everything to combine.

3. Spread the crust dough at the bottom and sides of lined baking tin reserving small amount for later. Happy marriage cake recipe4. Pour the jam filling into the dough. Dot the remaining crust over the top. Bake the cake in the preheated 180C for 25-35 minutes.Happy marriage cake recipe Happy marriage cake recipeHappy weekend everyone!

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Joni’s birthday trifle cake

Trifle cake, perfect summer occasion cake!I know this might be a bit delayed, but I thought I will share what cake I baked for Joni’s birthday. This year Joni wanted a trifle (he mentioned that long time ago), but as you may all know it’s a difficult one to transport (We celebrated the birthday in Mudeford). I instantly thought I of making a cake version of trifle dessert! I decided to use a basic sponge as a base and lady fingers holding the cake’s shape (hence me experiments of baking lady fingers last week). Basically the aim was to make an edible dish if you know what I mean ;-). The result was great, however if I made this again, I would have filled it with more filling (the recipe edited accordingly). Unfortunately I wasn’t prepared for such a large trifle “dish” :-D. Here it’s how I got on… Trifle cake, perfect summer occasion cake!RASPBERRY TRIFLE CAKE

(for the sponge)

  • 225g butter
  • 225g sugar
  • 4 eggs
  • 225g plain flour
  • 2tsp baking powder

(for the filling)

  • 500g mascarpone and 500g fresh custard mixed together
  • 100ml sweet fruity liquor (such as cherry or  blackberry liquor)
  • 500g or more raspberries, drizzled with 2 tbsp elderflower cordial and lightly mashed

(extras)

  • lady fingers, enough to cover the cake sides (try baking your own or just buy them ready baked)

1. Bake the sponge. Cream butter with sugar then gradually add eggs, flour and baking powder. Mix everything to combine well. Spoon the cake mixture into lined round baking tin and bake it in the preheated 180C oven for 45min or so.

2. Once the sponge has cooled I have cut the top away with the knife. The reason for this was so there would be no “hill” caused by the rising cake and because I did not want the crust stopping the sponge from absorbing the liquor.Trifle cake, perfect summer occasion cake!3. Next I have arranged the lady fingers around the sponge base sides. I used a bit of filling cream to make them stick. I tied the ribbon to fix everything in place.Trifle cake, perfect summer occasion cake!4. Layer the filling! Started with the cream layer then the raspberries (then the cream and raspberries again and so on), just because I thought cream would seal the sides better and stop the raspberry juice running through the lady finger gaps. Trifle cake, perfect summer occasion cake! Trifle cake, perfect summer occasion cake!Chill the trifle cake in the fridge before serving. Enjoy!

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Poppyseed lady fingers

Poppyseed lady finger recipeI decided to try and bake these crispy and light biscuits because I had few ideas on cake decorating with it (although they may not look suitable for decorating yet). Lady fingers (so they called) taste quite plain, but because of it’s consistency they are perfect for making fresh summer desserts such as very famous tiramisu. This is my first time making these macaroon like biscuits and I am quite pleased with the outcome even if they did not come in the perfect uniform shape (more practicing needed I guess!). Overall I prefer these to compare to shop bought as they taste better and it can be custom made such as these – with poppyseed!

POPPYSEED LADY FINGERS makes about 24 lady fingers

  • 2 eggs, separated
  • 70g caster sugar
  • 55g plain flour
  • 2 tbsp poppyseed
  • a pinch baking powder (for cheating)

1. First whisk the egg white. Make sure eggs are in room temperature before whisking. Add 2 tbsp sugar into egg whites gradually while whisking. Well whisked egg whites should be stiff and shiny. Poppyseed lady finger recipe2. In separate bowl whisk egg yolks with the reminder sugar untill pale and creamy. Gradually fold in egg white as well as flour mix (with poppyseed and baking powder) till everything is well incorporated.

3. Next, transfer the mixture into the piping bag. On lined baking tray pipe 1 cm thick and 5cm long lady fingers. My first batch was unsuccessful as I piped 2 cm thick and too close together (these biscuits do expand when baking!). Bake in preheated C200 oven for 10-15min. Very important not to under-bake as they need to come out crispy and not spongy! Let it cool for further 10 min or so while on baking sheets.My second batch looked better, but practicing is still needed as some are still wonky :-D. Poppyseed lady finger recipeHope my experience with these helps you ;-)

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Orange and white chocolate cake with raspberries

Orange and white chocolate cake with raspberriesAs I am writing this post I am munching on this cake for breakfast. It’s actually not such a big disaster after all as it taste quite nice. However there are few things  I would do differently now.

One year ago, on my hen do I tasted a very similar cake and I promised to myself to recreate it. So this is how I got on…Orange and white chocolate cake with raspberriesFor the sponge I chose a gluten free option (I am on trial now to find out if I am actually gluten intolerant), very similar to this chocolate orange cake. I boiled three pealed oranges and pureed them. Whisked 375g sugar with 9 eggs (I know I am CRAZY!!!). Then I added pureed orange, 375g ground almonds, 2tsp baking powder and mixed everything until mixture became well incorporated. I divided the cake mixture into lined baking tins and baked them in 180C oven for 1hour. The cakes came out great, but If I did it again I would have added orange zest into the mixture as well to make it more orangey (you know what I mean!). Orange and white chocolate cake with raspberriesI made pastry cream for the filling (my first time ever making it!!). I followed this recipe from BBC food, so it must be trustworthy. However I think I poured hot milk into egg mixture too quick, because I could still taste the egg in it (only slightly). I spooned the pastry cream on the bottom cake and decorated it with raspberries. Yum!Orange and white chocolate cake with raspberriesFinally I have covered pastry cream and raspberries with the second cake. I covered the top of the cake with white chocolate glaze (or ganache some may call it) that was obviously too thin and runny. This is where I messed up most! I followed my original dark chocolate glaze recipe here which worked on so many occasions. I guess with white chocolate I need to add more of it to compare to dark chocolate glaze cream:chocolate ratio. Maybe 200g of white chocolate into 90ml double cream?Orange and white chocolate cake with raspberries Orange and white chocolate cake with raspberriesHope my mistakes helped :-)

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Easy rhubarb and almond cake squares

Rhubarb and almond cake squares recipeApparently rhubarb is in season (how would I know, I no longer have my garden to refer to) and my mum started using it in her bakes. This very simple rhubarb and almond cake is very popular. My mum says that a lot of people are already asking for the recipe. So today I thought I will try. Rhubarb and almond cake squares recipeAfter baking this cake I can confirm that it is very easy and uncomplicated to make. Although I did find it little tart (maybe a little bit too tart). So do try it out and be generous with sugar since it’s very low in fat (no butter or oil found).

RHUBARB AND ALMOND CAKE SQUARES

  • 3 eggs
  • 1 cup icing sugar/125g icing sugar (I used 225g golden caster sugar) + some for dusting
  • 1 cup plain flour/125g plain flour
  • 450-500g rhubarb stalks
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (I used one vanilla pod seeds instead)
  • 3-5 tbsp almond flakes

1. Whisk eggs with sugar till pale.

2. Add flour, finely chopped rhubarb and vanilla extract. Mix everything to combine well. Rhubarb and almond cake squares recipe 3. Empty the cake mixture into lined baking tin. Scatter almond flakes all over the top.

4. Bake in preheated 180C oven for 40-50min. Check if the cake is baked with the skewer (it should come out clean).

5. Let the cake cool before slicing it into squares. Remember to dust it generously with icing sugar!Rhubarb and almond cake squares recipe Rhubarb and almond cake squares recipeEnjoy!

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Clean-out-the-cupboard granola

Clean-out-the-cupboard granola recipeOnce in the blue moon I like to organise my cupboard so it is easy to find stuff I need. The cupboard gets usually cluttered with small random packages of of seeds, nuts and dry fruits (all that just from trying many baking recipes). But once in the while I feel like cleaning it all out by using it up on one something big. That tends to be granola!Clean-out-the-cupboard granola recipeI must admit that granola is not the healthiest breakfast item (even though some people consider it to be on the healthy side), but it so tasty! It transforms a very boring yogurt and fruit into something more pudding like. And it is soooo useful when you run out of your regular cereal!Clean-out-the-cupboard granola recipeSo here is what you can use up and how to make your Clean-out-the-cupboard granola…

CLEAN-OUT-THE CUPBOARD GRANOLA

  • 500g oat flakes (or any other flakes, I used barley flakes here)
  • 450g seeds, nuts and fruits (will try to mention as much as I can remember):
    • sunflower seeds
    • poppy seeds
    • sesame seeds
    • pumpkin seeds
    • hazel nuts, chopped
    • walnuts, chopped
    • pecan nuts, chopped
    • almond flakes
    • coconut flakes
    • raising
    • apricots, chopped
    • dried cranberries
    • dried mango, chopped
  • 200ml coconut oil (or any other oil that does not taste strong and overpowering)
  • 300g honey (or golden syrup or brown caster sugar)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • spices (I used 1tsp cinnamon, but you can use ground cloves, nutmeg or few tbsp cocoa power)

1. Place all ingredients (except dried fruit if using) into the pot and “cook” it on the low heat for 5-10min till honey disappeared into the mixture and everything is well combined.Clean-out-the-cupboard granola recipe2. Now spread the mixture onto large baking tray (use two trays if possible so it bakes evenly) and bake it in 180C oven for 30-40min. Check granola every 15 min to check if it’s not burning and mix it to turn around. Add dried fruits 20min before the finish. The granola should be golden colour, it will become crunchy once it cools down.Clean-out-the-cupboard granola recipe3. Once it cools down store it in jars and enjoy it with yogurt (or milk) and fruits.Clean-out-the-cupboard granola recipe Clean-out-the-cupboard granola recipeHave a lovely weekend!

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Pinterest challenge: chilled cucumber soup

Chilled cucumber soup recipeAlthough it went chilly outside, I have been craving for refreshing foods such as salads or chilled soups like this one. Chilled soups aren’t common in England but because I am Lithuanian I am quite familiar with it. My favourite was chilled beetroot soup until I came across chilled cucumber soup here on this adorable blog! I slightly modified the recipe and served it with roasted new potatoes (just what any other Lithuanian would do). Chilled cucumber soup recipeCHILLED CUCUMBER SOUP adopted from Dishing Up The Dirt

Serves 2

  • 1 large cucumbers, sliced
  • 300ml natural yogurt
  • 1.5tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 garlic clove, sliced
  • small handful of dill, (plus some for the garnish)
  • small handful of parsley (plus some for the garnish)
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 2-3 sliced radishes for the garnish (optional)

1. In a blender combine cucumber, yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, dill, parsley and olive oil. Blend until smooth.Chilled cucumber soup recipe2. Season to taste with salt and pepper.Chilled cucumber soup recipe3. Garnish with herbs and sliced radish if using. Serve it with roasted potatoes and drizzle of oil.Chilled cucumber soup recipeEnjoy!

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Varškėčiai with pesto (Lithuanian curd cheese dumplings with the twist)

Varškėčiai with pesto (Lithuanian curd cheese dumplings with the twist)From all the foods I liked in childhood I loved my mums cooked food the most. My mum was never a good cook, in fact only recently she started feeling passion for baking. But I really liked varškėčiai that she used to make (although I realised that they were slightly different to compare to other curd cheese dumplings that I have ever tasted). Traditionally varškėčiai are soft type dumplings that are often served with jam and sour cream. My mum used to add more flour into them making them more pasta like and served savoury with sour cream and butter. So it’s up to you what way you want to make them (less flour or more), but I decided to go with savoury and serve it with pesto (oh it was so yummy! I think I might be the first one to try them this way!).Varškėčiai with pesto (Lithuanian curd cheese dumplings with the twist)Varškėčiai are very simple to make, almost like gnocchi, except no need to prep anything ahead. Just mix three ingredients together into the dough and make the dumplings.

VARŠKĖČIAI serves 2

  • 250g plain quark (it came slightly different to what I am used to, but it works as fine)
  • 1 egg
  • 5-8 heaped tbsp plain flour

Varškėčiai with pesto (Lithuanian curd cheese dumplings with the twist)1. Mix the egg with the quark and gradually add flour into the mix until the dough can be handled (so it does not stick too much onto the fingers).

2. Make varškėčiai dumplings  in the same way as you would make gnocchi dumplings. Roll the ball of dough into the “sausage” and slice it into small bits. Lay the dumplings onto floured plates ready to be cooked.Varškėčiai with pesto (Lithuanian curd cheese dumplings with the twist)3. To cook varškėčiai drop them into the salted boiling water and cook them this way for 2 minutes until the dumplings float to the top (I usually fish them out from the top with the slotted spoon when they rise). Varškėčiai with pesto (Lithuanian curd cheese dumplings with the twist)Serve with sour cream and pesto of your choice.Varškėčiai with pesto (Lithuanian curd cheese dumplings with the twist)Enjoy!

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