This healthy Gingerbread Loaf with Caramel Drizzle is a low-sugar, wholegrain version of the classic, making it a perfect treat for any occasion. The recipe is versatile, offering options to cater to different dietary preferences. If you love ginger, you’ll love this loaf and whilst it’s sweet, it’s not sickly sweet. Health benefits This loaf…
baked
Baked Brown Rice Pudding
This gluten-free Baked Brown Rice Pudding is a wholesome, satisfying dessert or breakfast option that turns leftover rice into a delicious and nourishing dish. It’s a versatile recipe that can be customised with your choice of spices, fruits, and sweeteners.
One of the ways I manage to feed my family unprocessed foods without spending endless hours in the kitchen is to always cook more than we need for that meal. So even when I cook rice to go with a curry, I often cook a little extra and use it to make this delicious breakfast (that could also double as dessert).
In my many years consulting as a Naturopath and assessing patients diets, the one meal where most people failed drastically, was breakfast. I found so many people searching for energy, vitality, productivity and better general health; spending large sums of money on supplements and searching for the ‘magic bullet,’ but also neglecting the one meal that could improve both their short and long-term health. In my professional opinion, eating a nutritionally balanced, unprocessed breakfast each and every day is THE very best place to start if you want to improve your overall health and wellbeing. Find an awesome range of brekkie inspo in my ebook ‘Rise and Shine a Well Nourished Breakfast‘ – designed with mad morning’s in mind, it will ensure your brekkie is as good as it gets.
Health Benefits
Did you know that half of the daily calories for half of the world’s population come from rice? For many of the oldest living people in the world, brown rice is a dietary staple. Brown rice is a low allergenic, high fibre and nutrient rich food. When brown rice is produced, only the outermost layer of the rice kernel, the hull (which contains few nutrients) is removed. According to The Worlds Healthiest foods, ‘the complete milling and polishing that converts brown rice into white rice destroys 67% of the vitamin B3, 80% of the vitamin B1, 90% of the vitamin B6, half of the manganese, half of the phosphorus, 60% of the iron, and all of the dietary fiber and essential fatty acids.’ I always try to soak my rice before cooking it to ensure it’s as digestible and nourishing as can be.
As you will notice, I have used brown basmati because I adore the flavour, but feel free to use any brown rice available to you. Combined with protein from the milk, eggs (see variations for egg-free), and nuts, this makes a wonderful, sustaining breakfast. The additional anti-inflammatory spices and lemon zest make this even more nourishing and healing. Their warming, immune boosting properties make this a wonderful start to a wintery day.
Ingredients
You’ll need leftover cooked brown rice, eggs, milk, a sweetener like rice malt syrup or honey, and your choice of fruit and nuts for topping. Spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger can also be added for a warming flavour boost.
How to make this baked rice pudding recipe
Start by preheating your oven to 200℃/395℉ and greasing a baking dish. Spread the cooked rice evenly in the dish. Whisk together the eggs, milk, sweetener, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and spices, then pour this mixture over the rice and stir. Top with almonds or other nuts and fruit, and bake for 20-30 minutes until the pudding is set like custard.
If you own a Thermomix, we’ve also included Thermomix instructions for this recipe.
Serving suggestions and how to store
Enjoy this creamy brown rice pudding warm from the oven, topped with full-fat natural yogurt, cultured sour cream, or coconut yogurt. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for a couple of days, making it a great meal-prep option for breakfasts or snacks.
Vary this baked brown rice pudding to suit your dietary needs
For a low-fructose version, use rice malt syrup and low-fructose fruits like berries. The pudding can easily be made dairy-free by using nut or coconut milk and served with coconut yogurt. For an egg-free or vegan option, replace the eggs with chia gel and use a plant-based milk. To make it nut-free, substitute the nuts with seeds or shredded coconut.
Take a look at the variations (below the main recipe) for suggestions to alter the recipe to suit your specific dietary requirements.
For more delicious, healthy and easy to make breakfast recipes, click HERE.
Baked Brown Rice Pudding
Ingredients
- 2 cup/s leftover cooked brown rice (approx.) I used brown basmati
- 2 egg/s (these need to be large eggs, approx. 80-90g otherwise use 3 eggs or it won't set quickly)
- 500 ml milk (of choice) (2 cups)
- 85 g rice malt syrup, honey or maple syrup (¼ cup)
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 lemon/s -zest finely grated (optional)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- ½ tsp ground cardamom (optional)
- ½ tsp ground ginger (optional)
- ¼ tsp ground turmeric (optional)
- ½ cup/s flaked almonds (or any nut of choice)
- 1 cup/s fresh fruit -to bake on top (apple, rhubarb, pear, stone fruit, banana, berries)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200℃/395℉ (fan-forced).
- Grease a small baking dish (25 x 25cm) well and add the leftover brown rice.
- In a blender (or by hand with a whisk and muscle) combine the eggs, milk, sweetener, vanilla, zest and spices.
- Pour over the rice, top with almonds (or any other nuts you like) and fruit.
- Bake for 20-30 minutes or until set (like a custard), whilst you take a shower, make lunches etc;
- Enjoy hot out of the oven with full-fat natural yoghurt, cultured sour cream or coconut yoghurt (I love Coyo).
Thermomix Method
- Preheat your oven to 200℃.
- Grease a small baking dish well and add the leftover brown rice.
- Place the eggs, milk, sweetener, vanilla, zest and spices in the TMX and mix 30 seconds, speed 4.
- Pour over the rice, top with almonds (or any other nuts you like) and fruit.
- Bake for 20-30 minutes or until set (like a custard).
- Enjoy hot out of the oven with full-fat natural yoghurt, cultured sour cream or coconut yoghurt (I love Coyo).
Store
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
Notes
Low-fructose
Choose rice malt syrup as your sweetener and choose low fructose fruit.Dairy-free
Choose nut or coconut milk. Serve with coconut yoghurt.Egg-free
Replace with 2 tablespoons of chia, ground and soaked in 6 tablespoons of water to form a gel.Vegan
Combine the egg and dairy-free options above.ÂNut-free
Replace the nuts with shredded coconut, seeds or just omit altogether. ÂI'd love to hear how you like this delicious start to the day. Post your comment or rate this recipe below.Â
Sticky Drumsticks (with a Simple Tahini Yoghurt Dipping Sauce)
Today, I have for you, a delicious sticky drumsticks recipe – perfect for picnics, a meal, and leftovers are great for school lunches too. They’re budget friendly (even organic drumsticks are quite affordable), super quick to make and something I’m sure the whole family will love.
Health benefits
Most stores bought marinades are a combination of unhealthy ingredients such as sugar, vegetable oils, additives, and preservatives. This homemade marinade demonstrates that healthy doesn’t necessarily mean hours in the kitchen. The marinade is gluten-free, dairy-free and has a fructose-free option. The chicken is obviously a great source of protein and the yoghurt full of gut loving probiotics.
Ingredients
You only need a few simple ingredients like clove garlic, tamari, and lemon zest & juice to whip up this tasty marinade, while the tahini yogurt sauce is made from whisking together full-fat natural yoghurt (or plain greek yogurt), tahini, and a pinch of spices. With these pantry staples, you’ll have a delicious dish that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.
Instructions for making Sticky Drumsticks with yogurt tahini sauce
Making these sticky drumsticks is super easy. Mix up the marinade, pour it over the drumsticks in a roasting dish, and bake them in the oven for about 40 minutes. While they’re cooking, quickly whip up the tahini yoghurt dipping sauce and you’re ready to serve a delicious meal.
Serving suggestions and how to store
Serve these sticky drumsticks with the dipping sauce on the side for a satisfying finger food dish. They’re great with a simple salad, some roast veggies or pita chips. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days, and you can reheat them in a low oven or enjoy them cold.
Vary this sticky drumsticks recipe to suit
To make this dish dairy-free, swap out the yoghurt for coconut yoghurt in the dipping sauce. If you’re avoiding soy, use coconut aminos instead of tamari. For a sesame-free version, replace the tahini with almond butter, and if you’re garlic-free, just use extra cumin and a pinch of chilli flakes for added flavour.
Take a look at the variations (below the main recipe) for suggestions to alter the recipe to suit many specific dietary requirements.
Sticky Drumsticks (with a simple tahini yoghurt dipping sauce)
Ingredients
- 12 chicken drumsticks (approx.)
Marinade
- 1 clove/s garlic -crushed
- 60 ml tamari (¼ cup)
- 85 g rice malt syrup or honey (¼ cup)
- 1 lemon/s -zest and juice
Simple tahini yoghurt dipping sauce
- 250 g natural, Greek or coconut yoghurt (1 cup)
- 2 tbsp hulled tahiniÂ
- ¼ tsp sea salt - or to taste
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F (fan-forced).
- In a small bowl or jug mix all the marinade ingredients together.
- Place the drumsticks in a small roasting dish in a single layer.
- Pour the marinade over the top to toss and coat the chicken evenly and place in the oven for about 40 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. If they are not brown enough, you can always place them under the grill for a few minutes at the end of the cooking process.
- While they are baking make the dipping sauce. Mix all of the ingredients until well combined and serve with the drumsticks.
BBQ tip
- If you wanted to BBQ these you could. Just score the meat of each of the drumsticks three times, to allow the marinated to penetrate and to help them to cook through without burning.
Serve
- Serve with a napkin or wrap foil around the 'handles' .Enjoy hot or cold with the tahini yogurt dipping sauce (recipe below).
Make-ahead
- Re-heat covered in a low oven until just hot.
Store
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
Notes
Fructose-friendly
Choose rice malt as your sweetener.Dairy-free
Choose coconut yoghurt for the dipping sauce.Sesame-free
Replace the tahini with almond butter.Garlic-free
Replace the garlic with a teaspoon of cumin and a pinch of chilli flakes.Soy-free
Replace the tamari with liquid or coconut aminos.After more healthy lunchbox inspiration?
My best selling ebook The Well Nourished Lunchbox has you covered and is choc-a-block full of healthy lunchbox inspiration - and not just sweet but heaps of savoury crackers, sandwich-free lunch recipes and so much more. In fact, it's 150 pages of goodness! Click HERE to find out more about this fabulous ebook (and read the many, many reviews).Eggs, Feta, Lemon Oil
I was planning to start posting next week, but with Mother’s Day approaching I can’t help but share my favourite breakfast with all you wonderful, inspirational mums out there. I am in awe of you all, and I hope you are celebrated as you so deserve this Mother’s Day.
This nourishing Eggs, Lemon, Feta is a simple, healthy, sensational way to serve eggs. I’m sure the kids and your other half will have no trouble whipping it up, it is SO quick and easy to make. If you are over poached, boiled or fried eggs, then this is for you. Also, if you are not confident poaching eggs then give this a try, it’s fail proof.
Personally, I think it doesn’t get any better than these Eggs, Feta, Lemon Oil. My kids love dunking soldiers into the runny yolks (actually, so do I)! I hope you love this eggy delight.
Health benefits
This simple recipe provides a range of health benefits. The free-range or organic eggs offer high-quality protein and essential nutrients such as vitamins D and choline, which support brain health and metabolism. Feta cheese adds a source of calcium and protein while enhancing flavour. Lemon-infused olive oil, like Cobram Estate’s, combines the heart-healthy benefits of extra virgin olive oil with the antioxidant-rich properties of lemon, which can help improve digestion and add a refreshing twist. Serving with toast (optional) can provide additional protein and fibre if you choose whole-grain options. Together, these ingredients create a nutrient-rich and delicious meal that supports overall health.
If served with wholegrain toast, this is about 21-22g protein per serve.Â
How to make Eggs, Feta, Lemon Oil
Simply grease a small bowl or ramekin with a bit of lemon oil, crack the large eggs into it, and top with a sprinkle of crumbled feta. Steam the eggs in a water bath or steam oven until cooked to your liking, drizzle with more lemon oil, and serve with your favourite sides, toast or even pita bread.
Serving suggestions and how to store
Serve your eggs with crusty sourdough, or pair them with a side of sautéed greens (like baby spinach or kale), mushrooms, avocado, or tomatoes for extra nourishment. Or simply top with fresh herbs (like dill or parsley) or micro greens. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days, though fresh is best for this dish.
Vary this Eggs, Feta, Lemon Oil to suit your dietary needs
For a dairy-free version, skip the feta or use vegan cheese, and if you’re gluten-free, simply serve with gluten-free toast. If you don’t have lemon oil, just mix some lemon zest into extra virgin olive oil, and you’re good to go! Add 10g extra protein by adding 2 rashers of bacon or 50g smoked salmon.
Need more brekkie inspiration?
If you’re after more breakfast inspiration you can’t go past my ebook ‘Rise and Shine – A Well Nourished Breakfast’ – 25 delicious, easy and versatile recipes that each take 5-10 minutes to make – yes, in the real world! Find out more HERE.
Eggs, lemon, feta
Ingredients
Ingredients per serve-
- 2 egg/s
- 30 g feta cheese
- 1 tsp lemon-infused olive oil -I like Cobram Estate lemon infused EVO at supermarkets everywhere
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper -to taste
Serve
- 1 slice/s wholegrain sourdough toast (to serve) optional
Instructions
- Grease a small ceramic or glass bowl (I use a ramekin) with a drizzle of lemon oil, then carefully crack the eggs side by side into it. Top with the crumbled feta and a little seasoning.
- Put a few centimetres of water in a large deep fry pan (or pot). Place the bowls or ramekins into the water bath. You want the water level about half way up the ramekin (no higher).
- Put the lid on the pan and place over a high heat to bring the water to the boil. Once the water starts to boil, steam for around 4-5 minutes, or until the eggs are cooked to your liking. They will rattle around a little as they boil. Please keep checking the eggs, especially if you like them a little runny. The cooking time can vary by a minute or two depending upon the size of the eggs and whether they are at room temperature or not.
- If you have a steam oven, you can simply place them on a tray and steam them in the oven.
- Remove from the water bath (with a tea towel – you may need to spell this out to your fella if he’s new to the kitchen). Drizzle with the lemon olive oil.
Serve
- Serve immediately with a piece of crusty sourdough.
Ideas for sides
- Try one or more of these healthy sides for extra nourishment:
- Add 10g extra protein by adding 2 rashers of bacon or 50g smoked salmonÂ
- Leaves, simply dressed with lemon olive oil and seasoned. I love a little salad with breakfast.
- Mushrooms, sliced and cooked in a pot over a moderate heat with a clove of crushed garlic, salt and pepper, a few sprigs of fresh thyme leaves (or a tablespoon of dried) and about 20gram of butter or ghee.
- Sautéed kale or spinach leaves over a low heat, with a clove of crushed garlic and a tablespoon of coconut oil or butter. Season and serve.
- Sliced avocado with a squeeze of lemon juice and well seasoned.
- Tomatoes and basil, all chopped up and mixed with a good splash of olive oil, a little drizzle of red wine vinegar and seasoned well.
- Tomatoes, halved, seasoned and sprinkled with dried oregano then grilled in the frying pan or baked under the grill until brown on top. A slice of cheese on top is also lovely.



