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Earl Grey, Fig and Apricot Sourdough Fruit Loaf

| After School Snacks, Baked Sweets, Sourdough Baking, Members only

This Earl Grey, Fig and Apricot Sourdough Fruit Loaf is such a beautiful combination of flavours and textures. If you’re new to sourdough baking, begin with becoming confident making the Basic Sourdough recipe before trying this as this recipe follows the procedure for the Basic Sourdough Loaf, with a few delicious additions. This loaf will…

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Fruity Pops

| After School Snacks, Ice-blocks, Members only

One of the most simple and creative ice blocks your kids can make themselves are Fruity Pops. Kids of any age can make these – you can cut the fruit then they can design their own ice block, or older kids can both cut the fruit and make them. If you don’t have ice block…

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Breakfast Fruit Pizza

| Breakfast, After School Snacks, Baked Sweets

I’m always being asked to come up with breakfast recipes to help convince kids to move away from the processed cereal aisle, to a more nourishing start to the day. This Breakfast Fruit Pizza may be your answer. It jams a lot of protein, good fats and fibre into each slice and is easy to make ahead for a breakfast on-the-go.

Protein deficiency

In my experience, insufficient dietary protein is surprisingly common. The one thing that a swing towards processed foods has done, is dramatically reduce the amount of protein many kids (and adults) consume. You see most processed, convenience foods are generally a combination of fat and carbohydrate (breads, breakfast cereals, crackers, muesli bars, pasta and noodles). Anything with a shelf life is generally protein deficient.

Although it’s rare to see frank protein deficiency, subclinical signs are increasingly common. These include:

  • poor immune responses (getting sick frequently or difficulty recovering from illness)
  • poor appetite or very picky (or more of a snacker, craving simple carbohydrates)
  • poor concentration and trouble learning
  • moodiness and mood swings
  • poor sleep patterns
  • muscular weakness, aches and pains
  • poor growth and development (failure to thrive)
  • skin problems
  • delayed wound healing

The importance of protein

Protein is essential to form antibodies to protect your body from foreign invaders, such as disease causing bacteria and viruses. So ensuring you and your family are eating adequate amounts of protein is really important, especially at this time of the year when our immune systems need to be at their best.

In addition to supporting immune function, protein is used to make digestive enzymes, to repair the digestive tract, to grow skin, hair, and nails, make blood cells, form strong bones, to build muscle, to make hormones, to stabilise our blood sugar (so we have lots of energy and good focus)….as well as many more critical functions.

We cannot store protein, so it’s safe to say, that in order to replace, rebuild and repair, we need to consume protein very regularly.

Breakfast is a meal where protein is most critical, but is often lacking the most. No matter the claims, it’s a stretch to find anything in the supermarket isles that’s nutritionally adequate for breakfast. Not only that, but most exceed the World Health Organisations recommended daily intake of sugar in one foul swoop.

Personally, we eat a cooked breakfast a few days a week, but I also love to mix it up with other nourishing brekkies as I don’t always have time for cooking. The best thing about this Breakfast Fruit Pizza is you can make it ahead and keep it in the fridge or freezer until you are ready to enjoy it. My family also loves it as a snack for arvo tea.

The vast world of protein powders

I really wanted this breakfast pizza to have a protein rich base, so you’ll see I’ve boosted it with my favourite, wholefoods protein powder.

Navigating the many types of protein powders available is tricky business. Many brands are derived from feed-lot, grain-fed cows (also often fed GMO’s), highly processed soy proteins and contain franken-sugars, fructose, maltodextrin starches (aggravate blood sugars and the GIT), additives and more yuk ingredients.

Most also contain absolutely no plant fibre, good fats or micronutrients (vitamins and mineral) so nutritionally they are incomplete and not at all reflective of a well rounded, whole food meal. Thankfully, there are a select few which offer balanced nutrition and do what we need them to do – provide a sustaining, nutritious supplement, and here’s the clincher, that actually tastes good. It’s just got to taste good right?

What to look for when choosing protein powders

When choosing a wholefood-based protein powder, there are several key factors to consider to ensure you’re getting a good-quality and effective product:

Ingredients: Look for a protein powder that is derived from wholefood sources, such as pea protein, brown rice protein (preferably non GMO, sprouted and fermented), hemp protein, or a blend of these. If you’re okay with dairy, choose a Whey based protein powder, ensure it is grass-fed and/or organic. Avoid products with additives, artificial flavours, excess sugar or artificial sweeteners.

Nutritional Profile: Assess the nutritional content beyond just protein. Look at the levels of essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals present in the powder. A good wholefood-based protein powder will offer a range of nutrients beyond just protein.

Allergen Information: Consider any allergies or dietary restrictions. Wholefood-based protein powders are often suitable for those with common allergies (e.g., dairy, soy, gluten), but always check the label for potential allergens.

Taste and Texture: Personal preference matters too. Choose a protein powder that tastes good to you and mixes well with your favourite fruits and fluid (I love making smoothies with coconut water and yoghurt) or add protein powder to recipes like pancakes, overnight oats or chia puddings. Some wholefood-based powders can have a grainier texture, which may be a consideration.

By considering these factors, you can select a wholefood-based protein powder that aligns with your dietary preferences, nutritional needs, and taste preferences, ensuring you get the most out of your protein supplement.

GoodnessMe have a fabulous selection of clean protein powders, you can take a look HERE.

Health benefits

The almond meal and nuts provide healthy fats and protein, which help keep you full longer. Protein powder adds an extra boost of muscle-supporting nutrients, while the fruit adds natural sweetness and antioxidants. The cinnamon yoghurt topping provides a delicious way to add gut-friendly probiotics to your morning meal.

Ingredients

For the base, you’ll need pecans or walnuts, almond meal, wholefood protein powder, arrowroot flour, coconut flour, an egg, and your choice of sweetener (rice malt syrup, honey, or maple syrup). For the cinnamon yoghurt topping, use full-fat natural yoghurt (or coconut yoghurt) and ground cinnamon, with sweetener to taste. Top with your favourite fruit.

How to make this brekkie pizza

Preheat your oven. Mix the dry ingredients in a large bowl, then whisk the egg, sweetener, and vanilla extract in a jug. Combine both and form a dough, adding coconut flour if needed. Roll the dough into a thin base between two sheets of baking paper, then bake for 15 minutes. Let the base cool, then spread the cinnamon yoghurt over it and top with fresh fruit (I love raspberries, blueberries, strawberries and blackberries).

Serving suggestions and how to store

Serve your breakfast fruit pizza immediately after assembling, or store the base in the fridge or freezer. To serve later, just top with yoghurt and fruit when ready to eat. This makes for a perfect grab-and-go breakfast!

Vary this to suit your dietary needs

For a chocolate version, use chocolate-flavored protein powder and add cacao to the base. For a fructose-friendly option, choose rice malt syrup and top with berries and kiwi fruit. You can also make this egg-free by using a flax or chia egg, and to make it vegan, use a plant-based protein powder and coconut yoghurt.

This Breakfast Fruit Pizza jams a lot of nourishment into each slice and is easy to make ahead for a breakfast on-the-go.
Print Recipe
5 from 3 votes

Breakfast Fruit Pizza

This Breakfast Fruit Pizza jams a lot of nourishment into each slice and is easy to make ahead for a breakfast on-the-go.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Course: Breakfast, Snack
Servings: 4
Author: Georgia Harding

Ingredients

  • 50 g pecan or walnuts (½ cup) roughly chopped
  • 125 g almond meal (1¼ cup)
  • 40 g wholefood protein powder - or extra nut meal or ground seeds
  • 2 tbsp true arrowroot flour 
  • 1 tbsp coconut flour
  • 1 egg/s
  • 2 tbsp rice malt syrup, honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tsp vanilla

Cinnamon yoghurt

  • 250 g natural, Greek or coconut yoghurt (1 cup)
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tbsp rice malt syrup, honey or maple syrup (optional)

Fruit

  • 1 cup/s fruit of choice

Instructions

  • Pre-heat the oven to 180°C/350°F (fan-forced).
  • In a large bowl, mix together the nuts, almond meal, protein powder, arrowroot and coconut flour.
  • In a jug whisk the egg, sweetener and vanilla. Add to the dry and mix until a dough forms.
  • If it's too wet, add coconut flour teaspoon at a time to form a slightly sticky dough.
  • Place onto a piece of baking paper and flatten into a oval/ rough rectangle. Place another piece of baking paper on top and roll until a thin, flat base is formed.
  • Peel off the top layer and place onto a baking tray. Bake for 15 minutes.
  • Allow to cool completley and keep in the fridge until ready to serve.
  • Make the cinnamon yoghurt by mixing the cinnamon, sweetener and yoghurt together.
  • Assemble by smearing the cinnamon yoghurt over the base and topping with the fruit. To get a nice crumb-free slice, cut chilled, on a chopping board with a large sharp knife.

Thermomix

  • Start by chopping yor pecans or walnuts. Pulse (turbo button) 1-2 times to roughly chop.
  • Add the almond meal, protein powder, arrowroot and coconut flour. Mix 30 seconds, speed 5.
  • Add the egg, sweetener and vanilla and mix 10 seconds, reverse speed 5.
  • If it's too wet, add coconut flour teaspoon at a time to form a slightly sticky dough. Mix 5 seconds, reverse speed 5.
  • Place onto a piece of baking paper and flatten into a oval/ rectangle. Place another piece of baking paper on top and roll until a thin, flat base is formed.
  • Peel off the top layer and place onto a baking tray. Bake for 15 minutes.
  • Allow to cool completely and keep in the fridge until ready to serve.
  • Make the cinnamon yoghurt by mixing the cinnamon, sweetener and yoghurt together.
  • Assemble by smearing the cinnamon yoghurt over the base and topping with the fruit. To get a nice even slice, cut once chilled, on a chopping board with a large sharp knife.

Store

  • You can store the base either whole or sliced in the fridge or freezer. Then simply top with yoghurt and fruit and enjoy for breakfast.

Notes

Chocolate Pizza

Use the chocolate flavoured protein powder plus a tablespoon of cacao in the base.

Fructose friendly

Choose rice malt syrup as your sweetener and top with berries and kiwi fruit (or any tolerated fruit).

Egg-free

Sub the egg with a flax of chia egg.

Vegan

Use a flax or chia egg, a vegan protein powder, rice malt or maple syrup and top with coconut yoghurt.
 

I hope you and your family love this simple, delicious and sustaining breakfast.

6 Vegetables to Hide in a Smoothie (including recipes)

| Drinks & Smoothies

No matter what I’m cooking, I’m always thinking about how I can inject more nourishment, especially when it comes to feeding my kids. Because children are growing so rapidly, they have higher nutritional needs but much smaller stomachs, which means every mouthful has to count. One of my favourite ways to make this happen is by finding vegetables to hide in a smoothie – it’s a simple way to sneak in extra nutrients without a fuss.

One tip I always share with parents of finicky eaters is to work with what their kids already enjoy. If they love noodle soup, add a few extra vegetables next time. And if smoothies are their thing, fruit is a great start, but vegetables can give them a real nutrient boost. That’s why today I’m sharing my six favourite veggies that disappear beautifully in a smoothie.

Start small

When adding vegetables, start with a small amount and increase the quantity over time. If you happen to overdo it and the kids don’t like the taste of the smoothie, you can always add more fruit, re-blend (and freeze any leftover smoothie into ice blocks/ popsicle moulds).

Don’t rely on only ‘hiding’ vegetables

Whilst I am a huge fan of ‘boosting’ nutrition, I’m not a fan of always having to ‘hide’ vegetables for fussy eaters (in the long term at least) and you can read my views on hiding food and tips for veggie fussy kids here. Having said that, I do generally choose to ‘boost’ my kids smoothies with veggies they generally don’t enjoy eating in their whole form, just to increase their nutritional variety. I figure if they can’t taste it, why not add it?

My kids now know that vegetables belong in smoothies, so when they make their own, they generally add at least one. My 8yr old son who loves to experiment in the kitchen recently added rocket leaves to a blueberry smoothie he made for the family for breakfast – lets just say rocket is not on the following list of veggies to add to a smoothie!!

Which vegetables to hide in a smoothie…

1. Avocado

Okay, technically a fruit, but seeing as it doesn’t add any sweetness, I’m adding it to my list of nutrient boosters.

Why? Avocado is a rich source of mono-unsaturated fatty acids and one extremely nutrient dense fruit containing a wide variety of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. It really helps a smoothie to be more sustaining and its potassium content makes is great to add to a smoothie before kids sport.

How? Avocado adds a lovely creamy, mousse like texture to smoothies so add it to your favourite combo. It is a secret ingredient in my Fruit Whip and Chocolate Breakfast Smoothie recipes.

2. Cauliflower

Raw cauliflower is pretty much undetectable in a smoothie. You will just need a good, high powered blender to process it smooth though.

Why? Cauliflower contains a rich supply of health-promoting phytochemicals, especially protective antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. It supports digestion and liver detoxification and is a rich source of vitamin C.

How? Break it up into florets, wash and keep in a container to add to your morning smoothie. Because it is white it won’t effect the colour of the smoothie which is a real bonus. Start with one floret and build up to more if you like. Here’s a recipe for my Strawberry Shortcake Smoothie.

3. Zucchini (courgette)

Zucchini is one of my kids least favourite vegetables, especially cooked. But adding it raw into their smoothie, they are none the wiser.

Why? Zucchini (also know as courgette), is extremely low in calories and loaded with fibre. It is also a great source of potassium and vitamin C.

How? Zucchini is very tasteless and also doesn’t effect the colour of a smoothie much so is perfect to add a fibre and nutrient boost to your favourite smoothie. I add about the size of a quarter cup of zucchini to most smoothies.

4. Baby Spinach

Baby spinach is also rather tasteless but it does turn smoothies green. So for kids that aren’t keen on ‘green’ – it’s best to blend it with a chocolate smoothie so the colour is disguised.

Why? Spinach is host to a huge variety of vitamins, minerals, fibre and protective plant compounds. It’s just good!

How? As long as the colour isn’t a problem, add a handful to any smoothie. It is lovely in this Tropical Smoothie (which also contains avocado) and I love to add it to my Pine-Lime Splice (often with a handful of mint, it’s so good).

5. Sweet potato

Sweet potato can be added to smoothies either raw or cooked. For raw sweet potato you’ll need a powerful blender to ensure it is able to be processed smooth

Why? Sweet potato is a fibre and beta carotene rich veggie. It is host to good amounts of vitamin C, B vitamins and essential minerals.

How? Add a small piece of raw sweet potato or left over cooked sweet potato to any smoothie. I love raw sweet potato combined with orange and ginger.

6. Beetroot

Raw beetroot in a smoothie needs to be peeled and you also need a powerful blender to ensure it is able to be processed smooth.

Why? Beetroot is an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, detoxifying and extremely nutrient rich vegetable. Research suggests it improves stamina and sports performance (this fact alone appeals to my sport loving kids).

How? Depending on the size of your beet, you will only need to include a small amount of beetroot. I love it with berries and chocolate so this Coco-beet Berry Smoothie is a delish combo that my whole family loves.

Well that’s it for my favourite vegetables to hide in a smoothie. What are your favourites and are there any I missed? Post your comments and questions below.

Fruit Crumble Muesli Bar

| Healthy Lunchbox, After School Snacks, Baked Sweets

This Fruit Crumble Muesli Bar is the perfect balance of wholesome ingredients and natural sweetness, making it a go-to snack for busy days or a treat in the kids’ lunchboxes. It’s a versatile recipe that’s easy to adapt with your favorite seasonal fruits, and the base doubles as both a crunchy foundation and a crumbly topping. Plus, it’s super easy to make and packed with nutrients from oats, seeds, and fruit.

I love to make this slice if I need to use up over ripe fruit. I’m not a fan of using dried fruit (like dates/sultanas etc) in baking as I find it gives me a big sugar rush (followed by brain fog and energy slump) and I’ve also noticed my kids desire for sugar increases if they eat dried fruit. So I prefer to use fresh fruit in my baking and this Fruit Crumble Muesli Bar is one of my families favourite whole food treats.

Health benefits

Packed with oats, mixed seeds, and seasonal fruit, these muesli bars provide a great source of fibre, healthy fats, and vitamins. Oats in herbal medicine are known for supporting nervous system health while seeds like sunflower and pepitas are rich in essential fatty acids and minerals. The fruit filling offers a natural sweetness, full of antioxidants and fibre, making this a healthy, nut-free snack.

Ingredients

This recipe includes simple, wholesome ingredients like rolled oats, mixed seeds, coconut, and your favourite seasonal fruit. You can easily adapt it with gluten-free or dairy-free substitutions, depending on your dietary needs.

How to make Fruit Crumble Muesli Bar

Start by prepping the crumble mixture and pressing two-thirds of it into the base of your lined baking tin. While it bakes for 10 minutes, soften your fruit filling on the stove. Then, layer the fruit over the baked base, top with the remaining crumble, and bake until golden brown. Let it cool before slicing for the perfect, non-crumbly bars.

If you own a Thermomix, we’ve also included Thermomix instructions for this recipe.

Serving suggestions and how to store

These bars are perfect for an on-the-go snack or as a dessert. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge, or freeze them to pack in lunchboxes straight from the freezer. You can also serve them warmed up with a little cream for an indulgent treat.

Vary fruit crumble muesli bar to suit your needs

For a gluten-free version, swap the spelt flour for gluten-free flour and use quinoa flakes instead of oats. If you’re dairy-free or vegan, coconut oil makes an excellent substitute for butter, and maple syrup or rice malt syrup works as a sweetener. You can even switch out the seeds for chopped nuts if you want a nutty twist! Take a look at the variations (below the main recipe) for suggestions to alter the recipe to suit many specific dietary requirements.

My favourite fruits in the fruit crumble muesli bar

I tend to choose fruits that have seen better days to make this recipe – like over ripe plums, pears, strawberries, raspberries or blueberries. Or floury apples often end up in this bar (I love them combined with rhubarb or berries to make berry crumble bars).

For more delicious, easy to make healthy snacks and treats, click HERE.

This delicious Fruit Crumble Muesli Bar is great for school lunches & can be frozen for a hassle free snack. Nut, gluten, dairy-free options.
Print Recipe
4.95 from 50 votes

Fruit Crumble Muesli Bar

Nut and dried fruit-free, this Fruit Crumble Muesli Bar is a delicious, nourishing edition to any lunchbox. It freezes well also, so it's great to batch-bake.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Dessert, Snack
Servings: 12

Ingredients

Base / crumble

  • 125 g butter or coconut oil -cubed
  • 170 g rice malt syrup, honey or maple syrup (½ cup)
  • ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda
  • 120 g mixed seeds (1 cup approx.) I used sunflower seeds and pepitas
  • 120 g wholemeal spelt flour (1 cup)
  • 200 g rolled oats (2 cups) or quinoa flakes (or a mixture)
  • 50 g desiccated coconut (½ cup)
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Filling

  • 1 cup/s your choice of seasonal fruit (fresh plum, apricot, nectarine, peach, berries, apple, pear, cherries) -finely diced or sliced
  • 2 tbsp rice malt syrup, honey or maple syrup (optional)
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp chia seeds

Instructions

  • Pre-heat the oven to 180℃ / 350℉ (fan-forced).
  • In a small pot melt the butter and sweetener, mixing to combine. Add the bicarb and stir well.
  • I pulse the seeds in a food processor to break them up and make a finer slice (but you don’t have to). Mix the seeds, flour, oats (or quinoa), coconut and cinnamon in a bowl.
  • Add the butter/ sweetener mix and stir to combine.
  • Line a small tin (27cm x 18cm) with baking paper. Press â…” of the mixture into the base of the tin and press down firmly with wet hands and bake for 10 minutes. The remaining â…“ will form the crumble top (so set aside until after the fruit is ready).
  • Whilst this is baking, put all the filling ingredients into the small pot (that you used in the first stage, no need to wash). I’ve used cherries and plums in this photograph as they are in season right now
  • Simmer until the fruit starts to soften, stirring occasionally.
  • Once the base is cooked, top with the fruit mixture and with wet hands, place with the rest of the crumble over the fruit.
  • Bake for approximately 20 minutes or until just golden brown.
  • Allow to cool in the pan, refrigerate until firm and then cut into slices (cooling it allows for it to be sliced without crumbling).

Thermomix Method

  • Melt the butter and sweetener 1 minute, temp 90, speed 3 or until melted and combined. Add the bicarb and mix 5 seconds speed 3. Set aside.
  • Pulse the seeds, turbo button 3-4 times (check through the lid after each pulse to chop as required). Add the rest of the crumble ingredients and the butter/sweetener and mix 15 seconds, speed 3. You may need to scrape the sides to fully combine.
  • The filling can also be cooked in the TMX, all of the ingredients into the bowl, temp 90, 100, reverse speed 1. The time depends upon the fruit (softer fruit needs less time), approx 3-5 minutes.
  • Assemble as above.

Store

  • Airtight in the fridge or freezer. You can pack in school lunch boxes from frozen. I also love this heated up with fresh cream – very indulgent!!

Slice gone 'green' (or flecked green)

  • You may have noticed that your seed containing cakes, slices or cookies turn or fleck 'green'. I can explain...Sunflower seeds contain chlorogenic acid which reacts with the baking powder and bicarb when it's heated and turns various shades of green when cooled. To reduce the ‘shrek-look’ you can reduce the baking powder or bicarb (by about a third) or add 2 tsp lemon juice or vinegar to the wet ingredients. But remember - even if they do turn green, they are completely safe to eat.

Notes

Gluten and grain-free

Substitute the spelt for gluten free flour and the oats with quinoa flakes (rolled quinoa).

Dairy-free 

Substitute the butter with coconut oil.

Vegan

Choose rice malt or maple syrup as your sweetener. Substitute the butter with coconut oil.

Nutty

The seeds can be substituted with any nuts. I love this with chopped almonds and pecans or walnuts.

Fructose friendly

Choose rice malt syrup for your sweetener and low fructose fruits for the filling (raspberries, rhubarb is my fave).

Coconut-free

Replace the coconut with ¼ cup of ground seeds or nut meal (if nut free isn't important). 

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).
 

I think this is one of my favourite snacks - would love to hear how you and your kids like it? Comment and rate this recipe below.Â