These healthy carrot cake muffins are everything you love about classic carrot cake but in a simple, wholesome muffin form thatโs naturally sweetened, moist, and full of warming spices. They make the perfect afternoon tea treat, lunchbox filler, or even a healthier option for celebrations when topped with the optional cream cheese yoghurt frosting. Health…
lunchbox
Lemon Coconut Slice
This zesty lemon coconut slice is an easy, low-sugar treat thatโs perfect for lunchboxes or snacks, and it’s a staple in the Harding household. With simple steps, itโs a great recipe to get the kids involvedโlittle ones can help mix and press the base, while older kids and teens can tackle the whole thing (with a bit of oven supervision). Whether youโre baking solo or with the family, this recipe is sure to become a favourite!
Take a look at the variations (below the main recipe) for suggestions to alter the recipe to suit your specific dietary requirements.
For more easy to make, delicious healthy sweet recipes, click HERE.
Lemon Coconut Slice
Ingredients
- 150 g butter or coconut oil
- 85 g rice malt syrup, honey or maple syrup (ยผ cup approx.)
- 1 lemon/s – zest (juice reserved for icing)
- 120 g wholemealย speltย flour (1 cup)
- 90 g rolled oats (1 cup)
- 100 g desiccated coconut (1 cup)
Lemon Buttercream (see below note)
- 70 g butter – at room temperature (important it's not over softened or too cold)
- 20 ml lemon juice – no more or it may split
- 3 tbsp rice malt syrup or honey
- 3 tbsp tapioca flour – or arrowroot
- 2 tbsp desiccated coconut – for decorating, optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180ยฐC/350ยฐF (fan forced).
- Melt your butter (or coconut oil) in a large pot. If using a Thermomix 90, 1 minute, speed 3.
- Add the sweetener and mix to combine by hand or in a food processor. If using a Thermomix 30 seconds, temp 90, speed 4.
- Add all of the other ingredients and process or mix well until combined. If using a Thermomix, reverse speed 4, 30 seconds.
- Press firmly into a lined slice tin (approx. 17 x 27cm) and bake for 10-12 minutes. Take care not to overcook this as it can dry out. If your oven runs hot, reduce the temperature to 160ยฐC.
- Allow to cool in the tin (it firms as it cools) and once cooled, pop it into the fridge to chill for 30 minutes or more.
Lemon Buttercream
- Beat the icing by mixing all of the ingredients together in a small bowl until smooth and creamy. Thermomix butterfly, 20 seconds, speed 3.
- Spread over the chilled slice.
- Sprinkle over a little extra desiccated (or shredded) coconut.
- Chill for 10 more minutes in the freezer, remove from the tin and carefully slice into squares by pressing straight down with a large sharp knife.
- Refrigerating before slicing makes it much easier to cut without crumbling.
Troubleshooting the icing…
- If it's grainy or curdled – means the mixture is too cold. It usually needs warming up (either with a hair dryer or a warm towel wrapped around the bowl). Once it is a slightly warmer temperature, whip it up again with an electric beater / Thermomix.
- If it it is very thinย โย usually means that the butter/ mixture is too warm and needs cooling down. Putting the bowl in the fridge for 15 minutes or so and then beating it afterwards should fix it perfectly. You can also add a bit more tapioca to thicken it.ย
Store
- Store in the fridge or freeze in an airtight container. The butter icing will soften when left at room temperature.
- I enjoy these straight from the fridge or freezer. When packing into school lunches, pack against an ice brick.
Notes
Gluten-free
Substitute the spelt with your favourite gluten-free flour and the oats can be replaced by quinoa flakes.Dairy-free or vegan
Replace the butter in the base with coconut oil (this will produce a tougher/ crisper slice). For the icing a cashew cream would be the best choice.Low-fructose
Use brown rice syrup as your sweetener. ย ยLet me know how you love this zesty and delicious treat. I’d really appreciate it if you could leave a short comment and 5 stars!
Banana Rhubarb Raspberry Slice
This Banana Rhubarbย Raspberry Slice not only looks amazing, it tastes sensational.ย The sweetness of the ripe bananas paired with the tartness of the rhubarb really is a match made in heaven.
My kids are both back at school as of today and seeing as this Banana Rhubarb Raspberry Slice is their current favourite snack, it’s only fitting that I share it here in the membership. I can’t wait to hear how you love this, I hope it will be added to your planner and become your family’s new favourite too. Feel free to experiment with other fruits for the topping or if you prefer, you could just make the banana cake part.
Health benefits
This slice is packed with fibre from the bananas, wholemeal spelt flour, and raspberries, supporting digestive health. The rhubarb contributes calcium and vitamin K, while the bananas provide potassium for heart health. With minimal added sugar, this slice is a wholesome alternative to traditional sweet treats.
Ingredients
How to make this banana rhubarb raspberry sliceย
This banana bread begins with blending the wet ingredients, including mashed bananas, eggs, butter, vanilla extract and milk, into a smooth mixture. Dry ingredients such as wholemeal spelt flour, bicarb, and cinnamon are folded into the wet mix, creating a light batter. The batter is poured into a prepared slice tin and topped with thin slices of rhubarb and raspberries. Bake until the centre is set and golden brown.
Serving suggestions and how to store
Serve this slice warm as a comforting snack or dessert with a dollop of Greek yogurt or coconut yogurt. It also pairs well with a hot cup of tea. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or freeze individual portions for convenience.
Vary banana rhubarb raspberry slice to suitย
For a dairy-free version, swap butter with coconut oil or macadamia nut oil. Use your preferred gluten-free flour blend to make it gluten-free. To replace eggs, try chia eggs for a plant-based alternative. Feel free to experiment with different seasonal fruits like blueberries, apples, or pears for variety. For a protein boost, mix in nuts or seeds, or sprinkle them on top before baking.
Tip
Ensure the bananas are very ripe, as their natural sweetness is key to the flavour of this slice, with minimal added sugar used.
For more delicious, easy to make healthy cake recipes and other sweet treats, click HERE.
Banana Rhubarb Raspberry Slice
Ingredients
- 125 g butter - at room temperature
- 25 g coconut sugar or rapadura - 2 tbsp (optional)
- 2 egg/s
- 250 g banana/s - they need to be very ripeย (1 cup approximately)
- 1 tsp vanilla - powder, extract or essence
- 100 ml milk (of choice)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
- ยผ tsp sea salt
- 200 g wholemealย speltย flour (1ยพ cups approximately)
- 2 stem/s rhubarb - finely sliced
- 140 g fresh raspberries (can use frozen if you like)
Instructions
- Pre-heat the oven to 180ยฐC/ 350ยฐF (fan-forced). Line a slice tin (approx. 17 x 27cm) with baking paper.
- Mix the butter, sugar, eggs, bananas, vanilla, milk and cinnamon in a high speed blender for a minute. Thermomix, 1 minute, speed 5.
- Add the bicarb and salt and blend for a couple of seconds. Add the flour and fold through the mixture. Thermomix, flour symbol, a couple of turns until the flour is mostly incorporated into the wet. Finish with a spatula if necessary.
- Place in a lined slice tin and top with finely sliced rhubarb and raspberries. Bake for 20 minutes or until the centre is cooked.
Store
- Airtight in the fridge or freezer.
Notes
Dairy-free
Replace the butter with coconut oil or macadamia nut oil (the coconut oil does toughen it when it cools, but it's still delicious).Gluten-free
Replace the flour with your favourite GF flour.Egg-free
Rach tested egg-free for me and I'm happy to announce chia eggs were a success.ยDifferent fruit
You can absolutely switch up the fruit to suit your tastes and what's in season.Boost the protein
Add any nuts or seeds to the batter or top.Tip
The bananas need to be very ripe or it won't be sweet enough as there's very little added sugar. ยI really can't wait to hear how you love this slice. Post a comment below and feel free to rate the recipe too.ย
Banana Chocolate Swirl Cake
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Healthy Chocolate Coconut Slice
This is such a yummy, old-fashioned style Chocolate Slice – it reminds me a lot of the one my nan always made me, only a little healthier. This Healthy Chocolate Coconut Slice is a lovely chocolatey treat to stock your freezer with, so if you have hungry kids at home looking for a snack or need an easy lunchbox filler, you’ll have this on hand ready to go!
Food memories are the best. As a kid I used to bake with my nan every weekend, we even occasionally ‘invented’ recipes. The ones that worked out, she carefully wrote on a note pad and sticky taped it into her recipe notebook. I still have that notebook, though the tape is browned and dried and the binding has seen better days.
Anyway, enough nostalgia…though I do hope that one of my recipes will perhaps form memories and be carried down in your family.
Health benefits
This healthy chocolate coconut slice is made with wholemeal spelt flour, rolled oats, and desiccated coconut, this slice provides fibre and slow-releasing energy. The cacao powder is rich in antioxidants, while the choice of natural sweeteners like honey or rice malt syrup makes it a healthier alternative to refined sugar treats.
Ingredients
This recipe uses spelt flour, oats, cacao powder, and coconut. Butter or coconut oil adds richness, and the bittersweet chocolate icing made with raw cacao powder (or cocoa powder), rice malt syrup or honey, milk and coconut oil brings a decadent touch that can be adjusted to suit your taste.
How to make this healthy chocolate coconut sliceย
Melt the butter or coconut oil, stir in the sweetener, and mix with the dry ingredients until combined. Press the mixture into a tin lined with baking paper and bake in a fan-forced oven as instructed below. Chill before adding the rich bittersweet chocolate icing made with cacao powder, rice malt syrup or honey, milk and coconut oil and sprinkle with coconut for a beautiful finish. This can also be made in your food processor and we’ve included the Thermomix method too if you have one.
Serving suggestions and how to store
Enjoy this slice as a mid-morning snack or a healthier dessert option. It’s also perfect for school lunchboxes being nut-free and egg-free. Store in an airtight container in the fridge to keep it fresh for up to a week or freeze it for longer storage. It can be packed or eaten from frozen.ย Refrigerating before slicing ensures clean, crumb-free cuts.
Vary this healthy chocolate coconut slice to suit
For a gluten-free option, swap spelt flour for your favourite gluten-free flour and replace oats with quinoa flakes. Make it dairy-free or vegan by using coconut oil instead of butter. Choose brown rice syrup for a low-fructose version.
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For more delicious, easy to make prep-ahead heathy snack recipes, click HERE.
Chocolate Coconut Slice
Ingredients
- 150 g butter or coconut oil
- 85 g rice malt syrup, honey or maple syrup (ยผ cup approx.)
- 30 g cacao powder - unsweetened Dutch process or raw
- 120 g wholemealย speltย flour (1 cup)
- 90 g rolled oats (1 cup)
- 100 g desiccated coconut (1 cup)
Bittersweet Chocolate Icing (see note below)
- 30 g cacao powder - unsweetened Dutch process or raw (ยผ cup)
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
- 2 tbsp rice malt syrup or honey
- 1 tbsp milk (of choice)
- 10 g desiccated coconut (2 tbsp)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180ยฐC/350ยฐF (fan-forced).
- In a large pot over medium heat, melt your butter (or coconut oil). If using a Thermomix 90, 1 minute, speed 3.
- Turn off the heat and add the sweetener, mixing to combine. If using a Thermomix 30 seconds, temp 90, speed 4.
- Add all of the other ingredients and mix well until combined. If using a Thermomix reverse speed, 30 seconds.
- Press firmly into a lined tin (approx. 17 x 27cm) and bake for 10-12 minutes. Take care not to overcook this as it can dry out. If your oven runs hot, reduce the temperature to 160ยฐC.
- Once cooled, pop it into the fridge to chill for 30 minutes or more.
Bittersweet Chocolate Icing
- Make the icing by beating all of the ingredients together in a small bowl until smooth and creamy. If using a Thermomix butterfly, 1 minute, speed 3.
- Spread over the chilled slice and sprinkle over a little extra desiccated (or shredded) coconut.
- Chill for 10 more minutes in the freezer, remove from the tin and carefully slice into squares by pressing straight down with a large sharp knife.
Store
- Store in the fridge or freeze in an airtight container.
Note
- The icing above is very rich (for dark chocolate lovers only). You can leave it off, top it with melted chocolate or a chocolate butter cream. This recipe works really well as a super healthy ganache too.
- Refrigerating before slicing makes it much easier to cut without crumbling.
Notes
Gluten-free
Substitute the spelt with your favourite gluten-free flour and the oats can be replaced by quinoa flakes.Dairy-free or vegan
Replace the butter with coconut oil (this will produce a tougher/ crisper slice).Low-fructose
Use brown rice syrup as your sweetener.ย
ย
I'd love to hear how you like this slice. Post a comment below or rate this recipe.ย
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Apple Crumble Cake
This wholesomeย Apple Crumble Cakeย combines the warmth ofย cinnamon, the sweetness ofย apples, and the nutty crunch of almonds in theย crumble topping.
Weโre right on the cusp of shifting from winter to new season summer produce. Every year, I find itโs about now that the once crisp, bursting with flavourย applesย Iโve been buying are just not tasting so great. Some just donโt have the flavour, others are floury and not enjoyable to eat. But I never throw them, I just re-invent them like Iโve done here with thisย Apple Crumble Cake.
Truth is, once cooked and combined with other flavours they are quite delicious. If the apples are particularly floury, Iโll often mix them with a stronger flavoured fruit like rhubarb or berries of some kind and they are transformed. So like so many of my recipes, this soft buttery cakeย is a great base for experimenting with fruits and flavours.
For moreย appleย recipes, take a look at thisย Apple Pieย recipe or pears, check out thisย Pear, Yoghurt, Ginger Cake.
Health Benefits
Thisย Apple Crumble Cakeย recipe is not only a delicious treat but is also healthier than manyย apple cakes. Made with wholemeal spelt flour, it provides more fibre, vitamins, and minerals compared to refined flours, supporting digestive health and helping to stabilise blood sugar levels. The applesย add natural sweetness and are rich in antioxidants and dietary fibre. Coconut sugar or rapadura, used as a sweetener, is less processed and has a lower glycemic index than refined sugars, making it a better choice for sustained energy. Additionally, the flaked almonds offer healthy fats, protein, and vitamin E, contributing to health and overall vitality.
Ingredientsย in thisย Apple Crumble Cake
Theย ingredientsย in thisย Apple Crumb Cakeย are thoughtfully chosen to create a balance of taste,ย textureย and nutrition.
- Wholemeal spelt flour –ย Higher in fibre and nutrients compared to refined wheat flour.
- Melted Butterย –ย Adds richness and moisture to the crumble and cake.
- Coconut sugar or rapadura –ย Natural, unrefined sweeteners with a lower glycemic index.
- Natural yoghurtย (orย plain greek yogurt)ย –ย Provides a tangy flavour, creamyย texture, and beneficial probiotics.
- Rice malt syrup or honey –ย Natural sweeteners, offering a healthier alternative to refined sugars.
- Freshย Granny Smithย applesย –ย Tart, fibre-rich, and full of antioxidants (you can also use otherย applesย likeย gala applesย or ย pink ladyย applesย but I thinkย Granny Smithย taste best).
- Groundย cinnamonย –ย Adds warmth and spice to the cake.
- Flaked almonds –ย Introduce a satisfying crunch and healthy fats.
How to make this easyย Apple Cake
To make this Apple Crumble Cake, start by preheating your oven and lining a slice tin with baking paper. Begin with the crumble by mixing the butter, sweetener, spelt flour, and cinnamon in a food processor or by hand until a heavy crumb forms. Fold in the flaked almonds and set the mixture aside. For the cake, mix the melted butter with yoghurt, sweetener, and egg until creamy and well combined. Add the cinnamon, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, and sea salt, mixing thoroughly. Gently fold in the flour until just combined. Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking dish, spread the diced apple evenly over the top, and finish by sprinkling the streusel topping, pressing it down slightly. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the middle comes out clean.
Thisย Apple Crumble Cakeย recipe also includes a Thermomix method.
Vary thisย Apple Cakeย to suit your dietary needs
Check out the variations below the main recipe for tips on how to adapt thisย Apple Cakeย to your specific dietary needs. Includes dairy-free, gluten-free,ย egg-free and nut-free. You could also make this cake intoย muffins. Simply divide the batter into muffin cases and top with theย appleย andย crumb topping. Also reduce theย cook timeย to 20-25 minutes.
Serving suggestions and how to store it
For a delicious treat, serve this Apple Crumble Cake warm with a dollop of cream, crรจme fraรฎche (sour cream), natural yoghurt or plain Greek yoghurt. Or for dessert, you could top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
To store, allow the cake to cool toย room temperatureย and then to chill fully in the fridge, which helps achieve clean, crumb-freeย slices. Once chilled,ย sliceย the cake and snap freeze the pieces on a tray before transferring them to an airtight container for longer storage. Alternatively, separateย slicesย withย bakingย paper and freeze airtight. This method ensures the cake stays fresh and easy to enjoy whenever you like.
Apple Crumble Cake
Ingredients
Crumble
- 70 g butter - diced and room temp
- 3 tbsp coconut sugar or rapadura
- 115 g wholemealย speltย flour (1 cup)
- ยฝ tsp ground cinnamon
- 20 g flaked almonds (ยผ cup)
Cake
- 70 g butter - melted
- 165 g natural, Greek or coconut yoghurt
- 115 g rice malt syrup or honey (โ cup)
- 1 egg/s
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1ยฝ tsp baking powder
- ยผ tsp bicarbonate of soda
- ยผ tsp sea salt
- 200 g wholemealย speltย flour (approx. 1ยพ cups)
- 3 apple/s (Granny Smiths if you are buying especially) peeled and 1cm dice
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 170ยฐC/340ยฐF (fan forced). Line a slice tin with baking paper. My slice tin is approx. 17cm x 27cm.
Start with the crumble.
- In a food processor or by hand, combine the butter, sweetener, spelt and cinnamon until a heavy crumb forms.
- Then fold in the flaked almonds and set aside.
Now make the cake.
- In a food processor or with an electric mixer, mix the butter with the yoghurt, sweetener and egg until creamy and well combined.
- Add the cinnamon, baking powder, bicarb and sea salt. Mix together.
- Fold in the flour until just combined.
- Place the cake batter into the tin. Spread the apple over it and top with the crumble. Press down a little.
- Cook for 35-40 minutes or until a skewer inserted into he middle comes out clean.
Thermomix
- Mix the crumble 1 minute, speed 5. Then fold in the flaked almonds, 5 seconds, reverse speed 4. Set aside.
- Without washing the bowl, melt the butter, 1 min, temp 90, speed 3.
- Add the yoghurt, sweetener and egg and mix 30 seocnds, speed 4 until creamy and well combined.
- Add the cinnamon, baking powder, bicarb and sea salt. Mix 5 seconds, speed 3.
- Fold in the flour until just combined. Use the flour symbol for 3-4 turns.
- Place the cake batter into the tin. Spread the apple over it and top with the crumble. Press down a little.
- Cook for 35-40 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the middle comes out clean.
Serve
- Warm with cream, creme fraiche or yoghurt.
Store
- Chill fully in the fridge (this will help you to get nice crumb free slices), slice and snap freeze on a tray before storing in an airtight container.
Notes
Gluten-free
Sub with a good quality gluten-free flour. Or approx. 2/3 almond meal with 1/3 buckwheat flour.ยDairy-free
Substitute the butter with macadamia nut oil and the yoghurt with coconut yoghurt.ยEgg-free
Substitute the egg with a chia egg.ยNut-free
Omit the flaked almonds, it will still be lovely. Or swap for sunflower seeds.ยVegan
Chose the dairy-free and egg-free versions and rice malt as your sweetener.ยFructose friendly
Choose rice malt as your sweetener (in the crumble and cake). Top with a low-fructose berries instead of apple.Add a twist
Add berries or rhubarb to the apple or swap apples for pears.ย ยI really can't wait to hear how you love this cake. Post a comment below and feel free to rate the recipe too. It helps it to reach and be enjoyed by others.ย
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Lamb Kefta
Lamb kefta is a Middle Eastern-inspired dish made with spiced minced lamb, fresh herbs, and simple pantry staples. Itโs quick to prepare, so delicious, and perfect for a family dinner, barbecue, or easy meal prep. Pair it with a fresh tomato salad and creamy tahini sauce for a complete, satisfying meal.
My hubby loves lamb so I thought it fitting to share this Lamb Kefta recipe ahead of Father’s Day.
One of my family’s greatest pleasures is trying different cuisines. Middle Eastern is a firm favourite and this Lamb Kefta is based on one we like to order at a lovely restaurant nearby.
I’ve made this to feed a crowd, or, it does us for two meals (and the kids lunchbox too). One night I serve it with the salad below, and then a couple of nights later I’ll serve it with hummus and roasted vegetables.
My Hummus and Roast Vegetable recipe is in my fabulous little ebook Well Nourished Sides and Salads.ย If youโre after more inspiration for interesting ways to make veggies shine in all their deliciousness. Then take a look – itโs just $9.95 and full of goodness that the whole family will love. Click HERE to find out more.
Health benefits
This lamb kefta (or lamb kofta) recipe is packed with protein to keep you full. The fresh herbs and spices provide antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits, while the tahini sauce adds calcium and heart-healthy fats. The delicious tomato salad offers a boost of vitamins and fibre too.
Ingredients
The ingredients for lamb kefta include fresh herbs like coriander (cilantro), parsley, and mint combined with lamb mince (ground lamb) and spices like cumin, cinnamon, and paprika. The tomato salad is made with tomatoes, capsicum, fresh parsley, and mint, and finished with a lemon and olive oil dressing. Donโt forget the creamy tahini yoghurt sauce for dipping!
How to make this Lamb Kefta
Making lamb kefta is super easy! Finely chop the herbs and onion, mix them with spices and lamb mince, and shape them into patties. Cook the kefta on a BBQ or griddle pan until browned on all sides. While they cook, toss together the tomato salad ingredients and whisk up the tahini sauce. Serve everything hot and enjoy!
Serving suggestions and how to store
Serve lamb kefta with the tomato salad and tahini sauce as a main dish, alongside pita bread, rice, or roasted vegetables. Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days, and both the raw mixture and cooked kefta can be frozen for an easy meal later. Simply reheat in a low oven until warmed through.
Vary this to suit your dietary needs
This recipe is easy to adapt to different diets. Use coconut yoghurt or cashew cream for a dairy-free option, and for garlic-free swap garlic cloves for ground cumin if needed. Onion can be replaced with finely chopped fennel, and pine nuts can be substituted with sunflower seeds for a nut-free version. For sesame-free, almond butter works as a tahini alternative. You can also make this with beef mince instead of lamb for a delicious variation.
Lamb Kefta
Ingredients
- 1 red onion/s
- ยผ bunch/s fresh coriander leaves
- ยผ bunch/s fresh parsley leaves
- ยผ bunch/s fresh mint leaves
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ยฝ tsp ground cinnamon
- ground black pepper
- 1 tsp sea salt - or to taste
- 1 kg lamb mince
Tomato salad
- 8 vine ripened tomatoe/s -seeds removed and diced
- 1 red capsicum/s -diced
- 1 red onion/s (small) finely diced
- ยผ bunch/s fresh parsley leaves
- ยผ bunch/s fresh mint leaves
- ยฝ ย lemon/s -juice
- 60 ml extra virgin olive oil (4 tbsp)
- 35 g pine nuts -toasted (ยผ cupย )
Tahini Sauce
- 250 g natural, Greek or coconut yoghurt (1 cup)
- 40 g hulled tahiniย (2 tbsp approx.)
- 1 clove/s garlic -minced
- ยฝ tsp sea salt - or to taste
- ground black pepper
Instructions
- In a food processor mince the onion and fresh herbs until very finely chopped. Thermomix 10 seconds, speed 5 (you may need to scrape the sides).
- You can make this without a food processor, but you will need to make sure the onion and herbs are all very finely chopped (important for the texture and flavour).
- Add the oregano, paprika, cumin, cinnamon and seasoning and mix to combine. Thermomix 3 seconds, speed 4.
- Add the lamb mince and mix until the herbs and spices are evenly distributed throughout the mince. This can be done in your processor or by squeezing through with your hands. Thermomix 30 seconds, reverse, speed 4 or until well combined.
- Form patties and place on a plate.
- Heat your BBQ or griddle pan and cook to brown on all sides. This is a good job for hubby or the kids whilst you throw the salad together.
Salad
- Combine all of the ingredients into a bowl and toss well. I sometimes bulk this out by adding extra greens like baby spinach or lettuce leaves.
Tahini sauce
- Combine all ingredients into a small bowl and mix well.
Serve
- Serve the hot Kefta on a plate with the salad and sauce.
Make-ahead
- Re-heat in a low oven until just hot.
Store
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
- They can also be frozen (either the raw mixture to cook another night or the cooked meatballs).
Notes
Dairy-free
Replace the yoghurt with coconut yoghurt or Cashew Cream.Garlic-free
Replace the garlic in the sauce with a teaspoon of ground cumin.Onion-free
Replace the onion in both the Kefta and salad with a small bulb of fennel.Nut-free
Replace the pine nuts with sunflower seeds.Sesame-free
Replace the tahini with almond butter.Beef Kefta
This is also delicious so feel free to sub the lamb mince with beef mince.I'd love to hear how dad enjoys this recipe.Post a comment or rate this recipe below.
Strawberry Cream Gummies
These easy to make Strawberry Cream Gummies are a delicious, gut healing treat that my whole family loves (including Bonnie Blue my 6 month old puppy). She knows what’s good for her!
I regularly make gummies treats for my family to support their gut health and immune system. The limit is your imagination when making different flavoured gummies. If you’re after more ideas, check out my Lemon Turmeric, and Top Deck (chocolate) gummy recipes too.
Health benefits
Gelatin is made from the bone and connective tissue of animals that has been dried and turned into a powder.
The biggest benefit of eating Gelatin, in my opinion, is that it is a gut healer, which means better nutrient absorption (so greater nourishment) all round. ย Also, if your gut is functioning well, then your nervous system is better supported too. Gelatin also reduces inflammation, improves joint integrity, and for the vain amongst you โ it improves the condition of your skin, hair and nails. ย In fact, itโs said to be better then botox (and erase wrinkles, stretch marks and cellulite) โ now Iโve got your attention!
Ingredients
To make these gummies, youโll need coconut milk as the base, along with maple syrup for a hint of sweetness (optional). Frozen strawberries, once defrosted, provide the flavour. Gelatin, a key ingredient, helps the gummies set and gives them that satisfying, chewy texture.
How to make these strawberry cream gummies
Start by warming the coconut milk and maple syrup in a small pot. Bloom the gelatin in the mixture, stirring until fully dissolved. Blend the strawberries into a smooth pulp, then mix with boiling water, vanilla, and the remaining gelatin. Layer the coconut cream and strawberry mixtures in a tray, swirling them together for a pretty effect. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes to set, then slice and enjoy!
Serving suggestions and how to store
These gummies make a great snack, and theyโre perfect for lunchboxes. Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer for easy access. If you freeze them, they stay firm and can be packed into lunchboxes with an ice brick to keep them cool.
Vary this to suit your dietary needs
For a different twist, swap the strawberries for raspberries for a โraspberries and creamโ variation. If youโre looking for a fructose-friendly option, use rice malt syrup instead of maple syrup and choose raspberries instead of strawberries. Adjust the sweetness to your preference by adding more sweetener if desired.
Strawberry Cream Gummies
Ingredients
- 400 ml canned coconut milk
- 2 tbsp maple syrup - optional
- 125 g strawberries (1 cup -heaped) frozen then defrosted berries provide the best flavour
- 250 ml boiling water (1 cup)
- 1 tsp vanilla - essence or paste
- 4 tbsp grass-fed or organic gelatin
Instructions
- In a small pot, heat the coconut milk and maple syrup over a low heat until luke warm (don't over heat it).
- Add 2 tablespoons of the gelatin and allow to bloom, mixing it well to combine. Continue to mix over the very low heat until it dissolves.
- In a food processor or blender, blend the strawberries until it forms a pulp. You can strain off the seeds if you wish, for a really smooth gummy (I personally don't bother).
- Add the boiling water and vanilla, blend again then add the remaining 2 tablespoons of gelatin and process for a minute or so until the gelatin has dissolved.
- Line a slice tray with baking paper. Pour in the coconut cream layer. Then gently pour over the strawberry layer (swirling as you pour creates the pattern on the top).
- Pop into the fridge for about 30 minutes to set.
- Slice and enjoy.
Thermomix
- Heat the coconut milk and maple syrup 3 mins, 60, speed 3. Add 2 tablespoons of the gelatin and mix 1 min, speed 5. Pour into a lined slice tray.
- Rinse the bowl and process the strawberries 1 min speed 8. Add the boiling water, mix 10 seconds speed 4. Add the remaining gelatin and blend 1 minute, speed 5.
- Then gently pour over the strawberry layer (as above). Pop into the fridge for about 30 minutes to set.
Store
- In an airtight container in the fridge or freezer. Can be packed from frozen into the lucnhbox (against an ice brick to keep it chilled).
Tip
- If using silicon moulds to set your gummies, freeze them to make removing them from the mould clean and simple.
Notes
Raspberries and Cream
Replace the strawberries with raspberries.ยFructose friendly
Choose raspberries and replace the maple syrup with rice malt syrup.Sweeter
My kids are fine with little or no sweetener. But feel free to adjust the sweetness to suit your taste and add more maple syrup (or rice malt) if you prefer a sweeter gummy. ยLet me know how your family enjoys this delicious and healing treat. Leave a comment below or rate the recipe.ย
Bacon Corn Rosemary Muffins
These bacon corn rosemary muffins are a savoury delight perfect for breakfast, lunchboxes, or as a quick snack. Packed with vegetables, herbs, and the delicious combination of bacon and cheese, they are a wholesome and flavourful option that can easily be made gluten-free or dairy-free.
They are perfect for a breakfast on the go, with soup for lunch or for morning or afternoon tea. My kids also love them in their lunchbox. They can also be frozen which makes them great for batch baking. I always warm my Bacon, Corn, Rosemary Muffinsย by placing them in my sandwich press (and then slathering with butter because it’s my weakness ha ha)!
Health benefits
These muffins provide a balanced mix of protein, fibre, and essential vitamins. The zucchini and corn offer a boost of vegetables, while the eggs and bacon deliver a good source of protein. Rosemary adds an extra touch of antioxidants, and the gluten-free flour option caters to those with sensitivities.
Ingredients
This recipe uses a simple list of ingredients, including cheddar cheese, red onion, zucchini, corn, and bacon, all combined with flour, eggs, and milk to create a fluffy muffin. With the option to substitute gluten-free or dairy-free alternatives, it can easily be adapted to suit a variety of dietary needs.
How to make bacon corn rosemary muffins
To make these muffins, simply combine most of the cheese, bacon, vegetables, and dry ingredients in a large bowl. Whisk the eggs and milk, fold them into the dry mixture, and divide the batter between patty cases in your muffin tin. Top with the remaining cheese and bacon, and bake until golden and risen. Cool on a wire rack. If you own a Thermomix, we’ve also included Thermomix instructions for this recipe.
Serving suggestions and how to store
These muffins are best enjoyed fresh from the oven, but they also store well. Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for a few days, or freeze them for longer storage. They are easy to reheat (in the oven or a sandwich press), making them a convenient snack or meal on the go.
Vary bacon corn rosemary muffins to suit your dietary needs
This recipe can easily be adjusted for various dietary preferences. For a corn-free version, substitute the corn with grated carrot. If you’re vegetarian, replace the bacon with smoked paprika for a smoky flavour. A dairy-free option is also available by swapping the cheese with nutritional yeast and using a dairy-free milk.
Check out theย variations (below the main recipe) for suggestions to alter the recipe to suit your specific dietary requirements. There are lots of options to suit.
For more delicious, easy to make healthy savoury snack recipes, click HERE.
Bacon Corn Rosemary Muffins
Ingredients
- 100 g cheddar cheese -grated
- 1 red onion/s (small) peeled and very finely diced
- 120 g zucchini/s (small) grated
- 1 corn cob/s -kernels removed
- 2 rasher/s bacon -diced
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary leaves -finely chopped
- 230 g gluten-free flour (2 cups) or cassava flour*
- 1 tsp sea salt
- ground black pepper -to taste
- 3 tsp baking powder
- 2 egg/s
- 180 ml milk (of choice) (ยพย cup)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200โ/395โ (fan forced).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine three quarters of the cheese, the onion, zucchini, corn kernels, half the bacon, rosemary, flour, salt, pepper and baking powder. Mix well.
- In a jug whisk the eggs and milk. Add to the dried mix and fold in until just incorporated.
- Divide between ten patty cases, top with the remaining cheese and bacon and bake for 15 minutes or until risen and golden brown.
- Allow to cool on a wire rack.
Thermomix
- If using a Thermomix to make these, preheat your oven to 200โ/395โ (fan forced).
- Grate the cheese, 5 seconds, speed 6. Set aside three quarters of it in a large mixing bowl. The other quarter in a small bowl.
- Grate the red onion, 2 seconds, speed 6. Add to the mixing bowl.
- Grate the zucchini, 5 seconds, speed 4. Add to the mixing bowl.
- Add the corn, half the bacon (the other half can be set aside with the cheese) and rosemary.
- Place the bowl on the Thermomix and zero out the scales.
- Add the flour, salt, pepper, baking powder and fold it all together.
- Add the eggs and milk to the Thermomix and beat, 5 seconds, speed 4.
- Fold this through the other ingredients until just combined.
- Divide between ten patty cases, top with the remaining cheese and bacon and bake for 15 minutes or until risen and golden brown.
- Allow to cool on a wire rack.
Store
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.
Notes
Corn-free
Omit the corn and replace with one small grated carrot.Vegetarian
Replace the bacon with a teaspoon of smoked paprika.Dairy-free
Choose a dairy-free milk and replace the cheddar with half a cup of nutritional yeast and an extra teaspoon sea salt.Another flour
You can replace the gluten-free flour with wholemeal spelt flour if you'd prefer.ย*Important Note
If using cassava flour we have tested with AKN Organics, Cassava flour fromย Source Bulk Foods,ย Ottoโs Cassava flour or Honest to Goodness Cassava flour. Do NOT use The Lotus organic cassava flour (we suspect this brand adds extra starch to the flour). Also do NOT or sub cassava flour with tapioca flour (they are not the same).Onion-free
Omit the onion or replace with half a small bulb fennel, very finely diced. ย ยI hope you and your family love these savoury muffins as much as we do. Let me know and leave a comment below.ย
Mint Yoghurt
This Mint Yoghurt is a really versatile dip or sauce that pairs well with lamb (grilled, BBQ’d or roasted) and also Indian dishes. When my kids were little and I was teaching them to enjoy curries and spicy foods, I’d always had this Mint Yoghurt on the table, so they could add it to cool…
Breakfast Hash Pie
This Breakfast Hash Pie came about when my son was wanting me to make hash browns and I couldn’t be bothered frying them individually. So, I came up with this ‘lazy’ version of a brekkie hash.
We also have many mornings we have less than 20 minutes to eat and get out the door. So make ahead brekkie’s are an essential part of my ‘eating well’ routine. The best thing about my Breakfast Hash Pie, is I can make it the night before, portion and re-heat the next morning when we are short on time.
Why everyone needs a proper brekkie
In my many years consulting as a naturopath and assessing patients diets, the one meal where many people struggled (nutritionally), was breakfast. I found that so many people were searching for more energy, productivity and better general health; spending large sums of money on supplements and searching for the โmagic bullet,โ but also neglecting the one meal that could improve both their short and long-term health.
Those patients that took my advice and changed their ways reported at follow-up consults that since eating a nourishing breakfast, they snacked less and found it easier to make healthier food choices right throughout the day. They had better concentration, a happier mood and more energy to exercise. They also had the motivation to prepare a healthy dinner in the evening.
In my professional opinion, if you want to improve your overall health and wellbeing, start the day right with a nourishing breakfast. If youโre after more make ahead breakfast inspiration you canโt go past my ebook โRise and Shine โ A Well Nourished Breakfastโ โย 25 delicious, easy and versatile recipes that each take 5-10 minutes to make โ yes, in the real world! Find out more HERE.
Health benefits of this breakfast pie
Packed with protein from eggs and bacon (approx. 26g per serve), this breakfast pie will keep you full and satisfied. The potatoes or sweet potatoes provide a good source of energy and fibre (approx. 6g per serve) while the spinach adds a boost of vitamins and antioxidants. You can even load it up with extra veggies for an extra nutrient hit.
Ingredients
This breakfast hash pie is made with simple ingredients like potatoes, large eggs, bacon, spinach, and cheddar cheese. The base of grated potatoes gives it a hearty texture, while the eggs hold everything together, creating a deliciously fluffy filling. You can also switch up the ingredients based on what you have on hand.
Instructions to make a healthy brekkie pie
To make this breakfast pie, start by grating the potatoes and stir them together with the diced onion in your pie dish (or a baking dish). Spread the mixture into a greased baking dish, then whisk together the eggs, salt, and pepper, and pour the egg mixture over the potato mixture. Top with slices bacon, spinach, and shredded cheddar cheese, then bake in a preheated oven until golden and set. Itโs that easy!
Serving suggestions and how to store
Serve this breakfast hash pie with a simple green salad and a dollop of tomato chutney for a well-rounded meal. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for a few days or frozen for longer storage. Simply reheat in a low oven when ready to eat.
Vary this to suit your dietary needs
For a dairy-free version, swap the cheese with a mix of ground macadamia nuts, nutritional yeast, and sea salt, and grease the dish with olive oil. If youโre vegetarian, skip the bacon and add strips of red capsicum and smoked paprika for a smoky flavor. You can also bulk it up with more veggies like broccoli, zucchini, or grated carrot for an extra boost.
Take a look at the variations (below the main recipe) for suggestions to alter the recipe to suit your specific dietary requirements (including vegetarian) and to bump up the veggies too.
Breakfast Hash Pie
Ingredients
- 3 potato/s (large) or sweet potatoes, peeled and grated
- 1 tbsp butter or olive oil -for greasing dish
- 1 red onion/s (small) finely diced
- 10 egg/s
- ยฝ tsp sea salt - or to taste
- ground black pepper -to taste
- 4 rasher/s bacon -short cut
- 30 g baby spinach -approx. (1 cup) or English spinach
- 125 g mature cheddar cheese (1 cup) grated
Serve
- Salad (to serve)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200ยบC /390ยบF (fan-forced).
- Grate the potato and wring it in a clean cloth to remove the moisture.
- Grease a baking dish (26 x 18cm approx.) with butter or olive oil and place the grated potato and red onion in it, tossing to roughly combine.
- In a jug or blender beat the eggs and seasoning.
- Pour over the potato onion mix to cover.
- Place the bacon on top, followed by the baby spinach and cheese.
- Bake in the oven for 30-40 minutes or until the egg is set.
- Slice and serve.
Thermomix method
- Preheat your oven to 200ยบC /390ยบF (fan-forced).
- Grease your baking dish.
- Grate the cheese, 20 seconds, speed 6. Set aside.
- Now roughly chop and then grate the potato, taking care not to over process it. 3 seconds, speed 8. Check the consistency and wring well (you can use the steamer basket for this).
- Chop the onion, 3 seconds, speed 6.
- Add the potato and onion to the baking dish and toss to mix.
- Blend the eggs and seasoning 20 second, speed 4.
- Assemble from point 5 in the regular method.
Serve
- Serve with a leafy green salad and a nice tomato chutney.
Make-ahead
- Re-heat in a low oven until just hot.
Store
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Can also be frozen.
Notes
Dairy-free
Replace the cheese with ยผ cup macadamia nuts ground up with ยผ cup nutritional yeast and a good pinch sea salt. Grease dish with olive oil.Vegetarian
Simply omit the bacon. I like layering strips of red capsicum and a sprinkle of smoked paprika...it adds a lovely 'smokey' flavour.Add more veggies
You can also add in florets of broccoli or grated carrot or zucchini (wring out the moisture) in with the egg/ potato layer.Onion-free
Replace the onion with a small bulb of finely diced fennel.Lunchbox slice
Leftovers are great in the lunchbox. ยI'd love to hear how you enjoy this brekkie pie...post a comment and rate the recipe below.
Simple Guacamole
This simple and healthy guacamole recipe is creamy and full of fresh flavour. Made with ripe avocado, a splash of lime, and a pinch of sea salt, itโs perfect as a dip, spread, or to add a delicious twist to any dish. Plus, it’s versatile enough to suit a variety of dietary preferences. It’s funny,…
Peppermint Choc-chip Iceblocks
These Peppermint Choc-chip Iceblocks are currently my sons favourite snack and I’m not complaining. They take literally minutes to make and don’t require the oven which in QLD summer, is a godsend. Plus, all that goodness disguised in this tasty iceblock, what more could you want from an icy treat?
I freeze these in my Onyx stainless steel iceblock moulds. I also freeze them in little containers so the kids can pack them in their lunchbox. By morning tea they are soft enough to scoop out and eat easily.
Health benefits
These iceblocks are packed with nourishing ingredients like avocado, which provides healthy fats, and spinach, which adds a boost of vitamins and minerals. Coconut milk contributes a creamy texture while offering healthy fats. The optional cacao nibs provide antioxidants, and the peppermint adds a refreshing flavour that can aid digestion. It’s a guilt-free treat that’s both delicious and nourishing.
Ingredients
To make these healthy iceblocks, you’ll need canned coconut milk, baby spinach, avocado, and a sweetener of your choice such as rice malt syrup, honey, or maple syrup. You will also need peppermint oil or peppermint essence, and cacao nibs or dark chocolate chips.
How to make these peppermint choc-chip iceblocks
Start by placing the coconut milk, spinach, avocado, sweetener, and peppermint oil into a high-speed blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste the mixture to check that the mint flavour and sweetness are to your liking. The flavour intensifies once frozen, so don’t worry if it tastes a little milder before freezing. Once you’re happy with the taste, fold in the cacao nibs or chocolate chips. Pour the mixture into iceblock moulds, insert the pop stick and freeze until firm. To release the iceblocks, run the mould under warm water, then enjoy!
Serving suggestions and how to store
These gluten-free ice blocks are perfect for a cooling snack on a hot day, or packed in lunchboxes for a refreshing treat. You can freeze them in reusable pouches or small cups for an easy, grab-and-go option. Store in the freezer until ready to serve.
Vary this peppermint choc-chip iceblocks to suit your needs
For a fructose-friendly version, use rice malt syrup as your sweetener. If you’re looking for a coconut-free option, substitute the coconut milk with cow’s milk or a nut milk of your choice. These iceblocks are versatile, and you can adjust the ingredients to suit your familyโs preferences.
For more delicious, healthy and easy to make wholefood treats, clickย HERE
Peppermint Choc-chip Iceblocks
Ingredients
- 400 ml canned coconut milk (I used Ayam brand)
- 1 handful/s baby spinach
- 1 avocado/s -medium sized
- 115-170 g rice malt syrup, honey or maple syrup (โ -ยฝ cup)
- 15-20 drop/s food grade peppermint oil or peppermint essence - to taste
- 40 g cacao nibs (โ cup) or dark chocolate chips if you'd prefer
Instructions
- Place the coconut milk, baby spinach, avocado, sweetener and peppermint oil in a high speed blender or food processor and blend until creamy.
- Taste the mixture to check the mint flavour and sweetness is right for you. I do find the flavour intensifies and is much more delicious when the mixture is frozen.
- Fold in the cacao nibs or choc-chips and then pour into mould and freeze until firm.
- Remove from the moulds and enjoy. I find running the mould under water helps to release the ice-blocks.
Notes
Fructose Friendly
Choose rice malt as your sweetener.Coconut-free
Replace the coconut milk with cows milk or a nut milk.School lunchbox
You can always freeze this into re-usable pouches or little cups and pack from frozen for a icy morning tea. For heaps more lunchbox inspo (150 pages to be exact), take a look at my best selling ebook The Well Nourished Lunchbox. ย ย ย ย ยI hope you and your kids love this recipe as much as we do. Post a comment below and let me know.
Mediterranean Chicken Bake
This is one of my ultimate time saving meals that also doubles as a great lunchbox main. My Mediterranean Chicken Bake is prep to plate in 30 minutes and I strongly recommend you make a double batch for a few days of quick and simple lunches.
Last week we added to our family an adorable puppy – Bonnie. My teen also started at a new school so I now have two kids at two different schools. So between chasing after this tiny creature who feels like a cross between a new born (minus a nappy) and a toddler, and spending more time each day driving my kids about, meals like this one that require minimal effort have been my saviour. Plus, the kids are loving it in their lunchbox in my grain-free wraps (recipe in the Well Nourished Lunchbox ebook).
Health benefits
Chicken thighs are packed with protein and essential nutrients, while the sweet potato adds a healthy dose of fibre and antioxidants like beta-carotene. The red capsicum offers a boost of vitamin C, and the olive oil provides healthy fats.
Ingredients
Youโll need boneless skinless chicken thighs, red capsicums (bell peppers), sweet potato, red onion, olive oil, dried oregano, smoked paprika, and lemon zest. For the lemony mayo, mix whole egg mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, honey, and seasoning. These simple ingredients come together for a flavour-packed bake.
How to make Mediterranean Chicken Bake
Preheat your oven to 180โ/350โ and prepare a baking dish or sheet pan. Slice the chicken, sweet potato, capsicum, and onion, then toss them with a couple tablespoon of olive oil, oregano, smoked paprika, lemon zest, and seasoning. Spread everything in a single layer on the tray and bake for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. Mix the mayo ingredients together and serve with the chicken bake.
Serving suggestions and how to store
Serve this Mediterranean Chicken Bake in lettuce cups, tortillas, or wraps for a lighter meal, or over rice, quinoa, or couscous for something more filling. Leftovers are great in a salad or wrap for school lunches (or mum or dad lunches). Store in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy cold or reheat in a low oven.
Vary this Mediterranean Chicken Bake to suit your needs
For an onion-free version, swap out the red onion for baby fennel. If you’re avoiding garlic, try using cumin and cayenne instead. For a fructose-friendly option, use rice malt syrup in place of honey. Vegetarians can substitute the chicken with mushrooms and nuts, while vegans can also use cashew cream instead of mayo. Also feel free to add in other vegetables (zucchini or cauliflower would be nice) or ingredients (kalamata olives or feta cheese would work well too). You can sub the thigh with chicken breast, just watch it closely as it is a lot less forgiving and can over cook (unlike thigh meat).
Save time and sanity packing school lunches
Do you spend a heap of time searching the internet for recipes which you lovingly cook, only to find your kids fuss and donโt enjoy what youโve made?
The โWell Nourished Lunchboxโ ebook is here to helpโฆand itโs SO much more than just another recipe book!
As Natasha wrote on facebook…
โI feel like I am always looking for new recipes and ideas and I spend an inordinate amount of time doing so. I just said to my husband that this ebook is the only lunchbox resource I will need for the rest of my kidsโ school lives!’
Take a look at the variations (below the main recipe) for suggestions to alter the recipe to suit any specific dietary requirements (including making this dish vegetarian or vegan).
Mediterranean Chicken Bake (with lemony mayonnaise)
Ingredients
- 500 g chicken thighs
- 2 red capsicum/s (large)
- 1 sweet potato/s (kumara)
- 1 red onion/s
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil -extra virgin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 lemon/s -zest
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper -to taste
Lemony mayo
- 115 g whole egg mayonnaise (ยฝ cup)
- 1 clove/s garlic -minced
- ยฝ lemon/s – juice
- 1 tsp honey
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper -to taste
Instructions
- Pre-heat the oven to 180โ/350โ (fan-forced).
- Finely slice the chicken, capsicums, sweet potato and red onion. Place on a large baking tray and drizzle over the olive oil. Add the oregano, smoked paprika, lemon zest, sea salt and pepper.
- Toss together until the chicken and vegetables are evenly coated and arrange in a single layer on the tray.
- Place the tray into the oven and bake for 20-25 mins until browned and the chicken is cooked through.
- Now make the lemony mayo by mixing all of the ingredients together in a small bowl.
Serve
- For a light meal, serve in a lettuce cup, tortilla or wrap with the lemony mayo and leafy greens
- Or tossed through mixed greens (dressed with olive oil and lemon juice) for a delicious salad. I also like to add in olives and cherry tomatoes.
- For a bulked up meal, it’s lovely over rice, quinoa or cous cous.
- Leftovers are fabulous in a wrap or as a salad for lunch.
Make-ahead
- Re-heat in a low oven until just hot.
Store
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
Notes
Onion-free
Replace the red onion with baby fennel.Garlic-free
Replace the garlic with a pinch of cumin and cayenne.Fructose friendly
Replace the honey with rice malt syrup.Egg-free
Replace the mayo with natural yoghurt or Cashew Nut Cream.Vegetarian
Replace the chicken with 300g of brown or field mushrooms. Plus 1 cup of cashew nuts or almonds (throw on the tray for the last 10 minutes of baking).ยVegan
See vegetarian variation. Replace the honey with rice malt syrup and and the mayo with cashew cream.ย ยI hope you and your family love this recipe. Help me to reach more people with simple, nourishing whole foods. Leave a comment, rate this recipe or share it on socials.
Popcorn Caramel Chews
I’m seriously becoming more time poor as each year passes.ย My kids are busy with both before and after school activities pretty much every day of the week. So the amount of time I have to spend in the kitchen is way less than when they were little and we were home a lot more.ย So it’s recipes like these Popcorn Caramel Chews that take literally 5 minutes to make, which are a saviour when life gets crazy.
The caramel base is the easiest caramel you’ll ever make (no heating required). The best part is they hold up much better than most no-bake treats when out of the fridge.
These are also a great treat for kids resistant to whole foods. You can serve them as is, but I’d encourage you to take the opportunity to add in some extra nourishment (suggestions to tailor the recipe to your needs and taste below). My kids think this is the best thing I’ve ever made, so I can’t wait to hear how your kids like them.
These are also super popular at parties… I reckon they’d give Honey Joys a run for their money.
All the lunchbox inspo you’ll ever need
If you’re also a busy mum or dad lacking inspiration to pack a healthy, yet delicious lunch box that your kids actually enjoy eating, then the โWell Nourished Lunchboxโ ebook is here to helpโฆand itโs so much more than just another recipe book!
โThis book has been the answer to the weekday dilemma of what to put in the lunchbox that is not only healthy but taste good and gets eaten !!! We all LOVE it.โ Suzanne
Find out more or SHOP HERE.
Health benefits
Coconut butter is a great source of healthy fats, while the popcorn adds fibre and lightness to the treat. The optional chia seeds provide omega-3 fatty acids, and goji berries are rich in antioxidants. Sunflower or pumpkin seeds add protein and crunch, and the flaked almonds bring additional healthy fats and vitamins.
Ingredients
To make these caramel corn chews, you’ll need coconut butter, rice malt syrup (or your preferred sweetener), vanilla, and a pinch of sea salt. For the popcorn, you can use plain or salted varieties of popped popcorn. Optional extra ingredients include chia seeds, goji berries, sunflower or pumpkin seeds, and flaked almonds. If you want a fun and festive touch, top them with freeze-dried raspberry fruit sprinkles.
How to make these caramel popcorn caramel chews
To make the caramel sauce, start by softening the coconut butter by standing the jar in hot water until it becomes easy to mix. Then, combine it with your choice of sweetener and vanilla in a bowl. Mix until smooth and creamy. Add the popcorn and any optional extras, folding them through the caramel mixture. If the caramel is too thick, warm the bowl in hot water for a few minutes to soften it. Once mixed, divide the mixture between mini patty cases, adding extra toppings if desired. Freeze for 30 minutes or so to set.
Serving suggestions and how to store
These caramel chews are perfect for an on-the-go snack, packed in lunchboxes with an ice-brick to keep them cool. You can also serve them at parties or gatherings, with freeze-dried raspberry sprinkles for a festive touch. Store the chews in an airtight container in the freezer. They can be eaten directly from the freezer, or thawed slightly for a softer texture.
Vary this popcorn caramel chews to suit your needs
If you prefer a slice rather than individual chews, simply double the recipe and press the mixture into a lined baking tray. For a corn-free version, use flaked almonds in place of popcorn. If you’re looking for a nut-free option, you can use other seeds, or stick with the base recipe. For a fructose-friendly version, choose rice malt syrup as your sweetener. To make it vegan, use rice malt or maple syrup instead of honey.
For more delicious, healthy and easy to make wholefood sweet treats, click HERE.
Popcorn Caramel Chews
Ingredients
- ยฝ cup/s coconut butter
- 170 g rice malt syrup, honey or maple syrup (ยฝ cup)
- ยฝ tsp vanilla -powder, extract or essence
- Pinch sea salt (optional)
- 3 cup/s popcorn - plain or salted (or pop your own, approx.โ cup uncooked)
Your choice of extra nourishment (all optional)
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 30 g goji berries (ยผ cup)
- 30 g sunflower seeds (ยผ cup) or pumpkin or sesame seeds (raw,ย toasted or dehydrated)
- 30 g flaked almonds (ยผ cup) or slivered or chopped nuts (raw,ย toasted or dehydrated)
- Top with freeze dried raspberry fruit sprinkles for a party
* the nuts and seeds you can add in whole or grind them.
Instructions
- Start by softening the coconut butter by standing the jar in hot water.
- Once it's soft enough to be mixed with a spoon easily, add it to a bowl with your choice of sweetener and the vanilla.
- Mix with a metal spoon until combined and creamy.
- Add the popcorn (and any extras) and fold it thorough the caramel. If it's cold and the caramel is too thick to work through the popcorn, stand the mixing bowl in hot water for a few minutes.
- Divide between 18 mini patty cases. You can top with extras if you like also.
- Put in the freezer for 30 minutes or so to set.
Store
- Airtight in the freezer. They can be eaten from frozen or packed into a lunchbox with an ice-brick. The caramel will soften a little but it holds up a lot better than coconut oil based raw treats.
Notes
Make a slice
To make a slice, double this recipe and press the mixture into a lined baking tray. You'll need to really push down the mix so it's firmly packed. Pop in the freezer to set and then cut into squares.Corn-free
Make them with flaked almonds instead.Nut-free
Choose one of the nut-free options above or use the base recipe.Fructose friendly
Choose rice malt syrup as your sweetener.Vegan
Choose rice malt or maple syrup as your sweetener. *Coconut butter is NOT the same as coconut oil or cacao butter and it's NOT the cream off the canned coconut milk/cream. Though it is sometimes also called 'coconut cream' or 'creamed coconut'. Many health food stores and some supermarkets stock it also.large bowl inbox new recipes pour
Cinnamon Roasted Sweet Potato Muffins
I’ve had quite a few requests for a new savoury muffin recipe and this one is delish! My Cinnamon Roasted Sweet Potato Muffins are both tasty and easy to make. They are great for a healthy breakfast on the go and are perfect for the lunchboxes of kids who love a one handed lunch!
My kids also love them for afternoon tea. They re-heat them in the sandwich press and lather with butter. I think it’s nice to have options other than sweet snacks. No matter how healthy they are, sweet treats still contain sugar of some kind, so I like to have savoury options on hand as well.
Health benefits
Ingredients
These nutrition packed savory muffins feature roasted sweet potatoes tossed with cinnamon, thyme, red onion, and sunflower seeds for a perfect balance of sweet and savoury. Parmesan and feta cheese add a creamy richness, while wholemeal spelt flour and a bit of maple syrup bring depth to the flavour and texture.
How to make these Sweet Potato Muffins
To make these sweet potato muffins, start by roasting the diced sweet potato, red onion, and sunflower seeds with a dash of maple syrup, olive oil, and cinnamon. While theyโre baking, whisk together the wet ingredients – parmesan, thyme, eggs, and milk in a medium bowl, then mix in the dry ingredients. Gently fold in the spinach, feta, and roasted sweet potatoes, and spoon the mixture into muffin liners in a muffin tin. Bake until golden and a skewer comes out clean. If you own a Thermomix, we’ve also included Thermomix instructions for this recipe.
Serving suggestions and how to store
These muffins are best enjoyed warm with a spread of butter, but theyโre also tasty at room temperature. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, or freeze for later. To reheat, pop them in a sandwich press or a warm oven for a quick refresh.
Vary this Sweet Potato Muffins to suitย
For a gluten-free option, use a high-quality gluten-free flour. For dairy-free, swap out the parmesan with nutritional yeast and the feta with a vegan cheese, and use a full-fat dairy-free milk. Feel free to swap the thyme for other herbs (rosemary, oregano or sage would be nice too). You can also omit the onion for an onion-free version, or replace the maple syrup with rice malt syrup for a fructose-friendly option.
A lifetime of savoury lunchbox inspo
If you’re struggling to find the inspiration to pack your kids a delicious, healthy lunchbox (that they look forward to eating) each day, then โThe Well Nourished Lunchboxโ ebook is just what you need. It’s SO much more than just another recipe book, plus there’s heaps of savoury recipe inspiration.
Click HERE to find out more about this fabulous ebook (and read the many, many awesome reviews).
“I use this ebook weekly not only for school lunches but dinners as well. The dahl and nachos are two of our favourites. The recipes have transformed our freezer into a well stocked supply of healthy and nourishing items that make preparing school lunches each day a pleasure. I really love this book!” Amity
Take a look at the variations (below the main recipe) for suggestions to alter the recipe to suit any specific dietary requirements.
Cinnamon roasted sweet potato, thyme, feta muffins
Ingredients
- 250 g sweet potato/s peeled and diced (1-2 cm dice to fill approx. 2 cups)
- 35 g sunflower seeds (ยผ cup)
- 1 red onion/s -finely sliced
- 1 tsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil -extra virgin
- ยฝ tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 70 g parmesan cheese (ยฝ cup) grated
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves -picked off stems (or ยฝ tsp dried thyme)
- 2 egg/s
- 180 ml milk (of choice) (ยพ cup)
- 4 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp sea salt
- ground black pepper -to taste
- 230 g wholemealย speltย flour (2 cups)
- 30 g baby spinach -chopped (approx. handful)
- 100 g feta cheese -goat or regular feta, broken into chunks
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200โ/395โ (fan forced).
- On a small baking tray (lined with baking paper) place your sweet potato, red onion and sunflower seeds. Add the maple syrup, olive oil, cinnamon and sea salt and toss together. Arrange in a single layer and bake for 15 mins.
- In a food processor or large bowl, place your parmesan and thyme leaves and mix to combine. Add the eggs and milk and beat for 10 secs until well combined and frothy. Add the baking powder, sea salt and pepper and mix until just combined.
- Fold in the flour gently until almost combined (itโs important not to over mix them or they will be heavy).
- Add the spinach, feta and the baked sweet potato and sunflower seeds. Gently fold into the batter.
- Divide between 8 non-stick muffin cases and bake for 15 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the middle come out clean.
- Enjoy warm or at room temperature and lathered with butter!
Thermomix method
- Preheat your oven to 200โ (fan forced).
- On a small baking tray (lined with baking paper) place your sweet potato, red onion and sunflower seeds. Add the maple syrup, olive oil, cinnamon and sea salt and toss together. Arrange in a single layer and bake for 15 minutes.
- In the TMX bowl, place your parmesan and thyme leaves and grate 10 seconds, speed 7.
- Add the eggs and milk and beat for 10 seconds speed 6 until well combined and frothy.
- Add the baking powder, sea salt and pepper and mix 5 seconds, speed 4.
- Fold in the flour until almost combined, 10 seconds, flour symbol/ dough setting (itโs important not to over mix them or they will be heavy). If there is some flour not incorporated on the sides of the bowl, fold it in with a spatula very gently.
- Add the spinach, feta and the baked sweet potato and sunflower seeds. Gently fold into the batter gently using a spatula.
- Divide between 8 non-stick muffin cases and bake for 15 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the middle come out clean.
- Enjoy warm or at room temperature and lathered with butter!
Store
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.












