As requested, this week I have a beautiful Thai Red Curry Paste from scratch recipe. Curry pastes are such a great thing to whip up and freeze to make quick, tasty Thai curries, stir fry and soups. It’s also delicious in fish cakes. Use it to make this Thai Red Chicken Curry HERE, fish curry…
sesamefree
Tray Baked Rosti
My family loves a good Rosti, but this lazy cook canโt be bothered to cook individual patties. So this is my answer, one big, self-serve Tray Baked Rosti for the family to tuck in to. As well as a great mealtime side, it is delicious for breakfast too. Health Benefits Loads of nutrient dense fibre…
Kale Chips
At the end of winter I harvested a huge amount of kale – there was so much even I was struggling to think of ways to use it all up. Then my kids reminded me about Kale Chips. These are seriously easy to make and incredibly moorish. When my kids were little they went through…
One Pot Bacon Tomato Penne
This delicious, One Pot Bacon Tomato Penne is the easiest, tastiest pasta dish. And best of all, you’ll only have one pan to wash up!! The penne is cooked in the tomato sauce, absorbing the water as well as the flavours of tomato, wine and garlic. This is a great meal to set for older…
Strawberry Almond Loaf
This delicate and slightly jammy Strawberry Almond Loaf is a delicious flavour combination and makes for a moreish moist cake. Naturally gluten/grain free, it can also be easily made dairy-free. I love having slices of this on hand in the freezer for a quick lunchbox filler (if nuts allowed) or to go with an afternoon…
Gentle Detox Tea
After the festive feasts, letโs ease into the New Year with some simple self-care by way of a nourishing and gently detoxifying cuppa. Introducing my Gentle Detox Tea!
If youโre eager to get back on track and support your immune system, metabolism, and digestive health, this Gentle Detox Tea fits the bill.
I make this delicious and easy herbal remedy with the goodness of Barnes Naturals Apple Cider Vinegar and their Manuka Honey โ two staples in my kitchen!
Added to the herbal tea of your choice this is THE perfect way to start the day, or drink all day! I’m completely hooked. I’ve used many different herbal teas (peppermint, ginger, chamomile, green tea) but my absolute favourite herbal tea base is the Celestial Seasonings Bengal Spice Tea (available at all the major supermarkets) – it’s an incredible blend of cinnamon, ginger, vanilla and more and pairs beautifully with the ACV and manuka.
Health benefits of this Gentle Detox Tea
Hereโs just *some* of the reasons I love Barnes Naturals Certified Organic Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV):
โ ACO certified organic
โ Itโs raw, unrefined and unpasteurised
โ Contains no artificial colours or flavours
โ Made with cold-pressed, naturally fermented apples
โ Retains the โMotherโ enzyme for added benefits
โ Suitable for vegetarians AND itโs vegan-friendly
Other ways to enjoy ACV besides my Gentle Detox Tea
If you don’t want to make the Detox Tea you can add it into your daily routine via a 15ml shot or dilute in warm water for a morning boost.
Or, add a splash to sparkling water for some zing or use it in recipes, dressings, and marinades for a healthy twist. We even have it over roasted potatoes, it’s so delicious.
What strength of Manuka to choose
For the detox tea, Iโve paired it with MGO550+ Barnes Manuka Honey for an added layer of immune support. But feel free to choose your preferred strength! ๐ฏ
We keep various strengths on hand at all times in our house for year-round wellness, immune health support, and of course to elevate drinks, desserts, dressings and more with its incredible flavour.
You can find Barnes Naturals Manuka and ACV at Chemist Warehouse, available behind the counter (or as I like to buy it, in bulk and online which is easier and more cost effective!).
For more delicious, easy to make healthy drink recipes, click HERE.
Gentle Detox Tea
Ingredients
- 1 herbal tea bag
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp Manuka honey – or a quality raw honey
- 1 lemon/s – slice
- sea salt – tiny pinch, optional
Instructions
- Steep the herbal tea bag in a mug or cup of boiling water for a few minutes (to allow it to cool down so its not piping hot).
- Add the apple cider vinegar and mix.
- Add the manuka honey, slice of lemon and sea salt and mix well. The sea salt is optional, but supports optimal hydration so I always add it.
Serve
- Enjoy immediately.
Notes
Iced tea
Yes, this makes a delicious iced tea. Allow to cool, add ice and enjoy. ย ย ย ย ย ยI’d love to know what your favourite herbal tea flavour was for this Gentle Detox Tea in the comments below…
Twice Baked Sticky Lamb Ribs
My hubby recently came home from the butcher with lamb ribs, he said they were too cheap to walk away from. So these Twice Baked Sticky Lamb Ribs were the first thing that came to mind. One of my favourite Bao cafes serves the most incredible sticky lamb ribs so I tried to recreate them….
Simple Ham Patties
These simple Ham Patties are a really quick and easy way to use up leftover Christmas ham. They really couldn’t be more easy to make and they taste absolutely delicious. They are crispy on the outside and light and fluffy in the middle. Health benefits The combination of ham, cannellini beans and eggs provides a…
Bubble and Squeak
This is the ultimate leftovers meal – especially after Christmas. If you’re anything like me you may over cater – I’d rather have too much than not enough food on Christmas day. Plus it’s nice to enjoy leftovers and have a few days off cooking after Christmas day. Bubble and squeak is a quirky name…
Leftover Turkey Ramen
This simple Leftover Turkey Ramen is a calcium rich, nourishing and super tasty meal – one of my favourite ways to use up leftover turkey after the Christmas feast. Even if your turkey is a bit dry, this delicious soup will bring it alive again. Best of all, it take no more than 20 minutes…
Beetroot Feta Dip
Delicious and easy to make – this Beetroot Feta Dip is not only a stunning, colourful addition to any snack plate, it tastes incredible. It’s perfect to make for any festive ‘bring a plate’ dates – it’s nourishing, colourful and delicious!! Instead of visiting the dip section of the supermarket, go to the veggie and…
Red Wine Jus
Sometimes all a meal needs is a delicious sauce. This Red Wine Jus is the perfect accompaniment to a simple steak and salad (or vegetables). It’s easy to make while your steak rests, or you can make it in a pot along side the steak as it cooks to save even more time. Just remember…
Swiss Potato Gratin
This Swiss Potato Gratin is my version of the creamy gratin of my childhood. I started making it this way to include a bit ofย nourishing bone broth which adds protein and minerals as well as a beautiful flavour to the dish. You can read about the amazing qualities of home made bone broth here….
Beef Wellington (simple)
This Beef Wellington is my simple take on the classic. It’s a sensational combination of flavours – a beautiful fillet wrapped in mushrooms, parma ham and crispy puff pastry. I first heard of Beef Wellington in ‘The Castle’ and was intrigued… years later when I actually ate it I was amazed at the textures, flavour…
Strawberry Cream Cake Wreath
This Strawberry Cream Cake Wreath is a versatile cake that’s perfect for the festive season. I’ve used the Simple Vanilla Cake as the base, but you can certainly use any of the cake recipes baked in a bundt or ring tin and decorate it as instructed below. Other cake options: Chocolate Vanilla Marble Cake (spelt…
Pumpkin Sage Rotolo
This Pumpkin Sage Rotolo is a delicious vegetarian meal. I’ve made it for a vegetarian family member on Christmas Day as its a lovely meal to pre-make and serve as part of a big feast. This dish is rustic, so it isn’t the prettiest but I assure you what it lacks in looks, it makes…
Cranberry Camembert Wreath
This easy to make Cranberry Camembert Wreath is a very festive, indulgent Christmas nibbles. Not only does it look the part, it’s all kinds of deliciousness. The sweet cranberry is complimented by the creamy melted camembert and the basil gives a fresh herby taste of summer. Crispy puff pastry encompasses it all, making each mouthful…
Maple Bacon Dates
I’ve had a few requests for some tasty nibbles or hors dโoeuvres ahead of Christmas and these Maple Bacon Dates fit the bill nicely. They are a delicious blend of sweet and salty flavours and a real mix of textures too. Based on the classic Devils on Horseback with a few twists. Health benefits Dates…
Lemon Manuka Cheesecake
This scrumptious, easy to make Lemon Manuka Cheesecake is an incredible dessert that won’t leave you with a sugar hangover. It feels like an indulgent dessert, but it’s really quite nourishing.
It’s no secret I’m a huge fan of Barnes Naturals Manuka honey. Other than being immune supportive, the taste of this Aussie made Manuka has a smooth flavour and is absolutely delicious – it was the obvious choice for this decadent dessert. I used 100+MGO Manuka but you can use any strength you prefer.
This silky, creamy and zesty Lemon Manuka Cheesecake suits a range of dietary preferences including dairy-free, gluten-free, grain-free and egg-free. It’s sure to become your new favourite dessert!
Health benefits
Cashews provide healthy fats, plant-based protein and minerals like magnesium and zinc, while coconut oil offers stable fats that support satiety. Using Manuka honey adds not just sweetness but also its naturally occurring bioactive compounds, and fresh lemon brings vitamin C and digestive support, helping balance the richness of the cheesecake.
Ingredients
This manuka honey lemon cheesecake recipe is made with raw cashews blended with coconut milk, coconut oil, fresh lemon zest and lemon juice, Manuka honey and vanilla for the filling, and a simple base of shredded coconut, almond meal, coconut oil and Manuka honey, finished with toasted macadamias and an optional drizzle of extra honey to serve.
How to make this Lemon Manuka Cheesecake
After soaking the cashews to ensure a silky-smooth texture, the firm cheesecake base ingredients are pressed into a lined tin and chilled. The filling is blended until completely smooth, then the cheesecake batter mixture is poured over the base and set in the fridge until firm, creating a creamy, cheesecake-like texture without any baking.
Serving suggestions and how to store
Serve chilled, topped with toasted macadamia nuts, a drizzle of Manuka honey and edible flowers or fresh berries for a beautiful finish. This cheesecake is ideal for making ahead and keeps well stored airtight in the fridge, or it can be frozen and thawed slightly before serving.
Vary this Lemon Manuka Cheesecake to suit your dietary needs
You can easily change the flavour by swapping the lemon for orange or lime for a different citrus profile. For a nut-free base, sunflower seed meal works well in place of almond meal, and the sweetness can be adjusted to taste depending on how tangy you like your cheesecake.
Lemon Manuka Cheesecake
Ingredients
Filling
- 400 g raw cashew nuts (3 cups), approx
- 150 ml canned coconut milk (โ cup)
- 70 g coconut oil (โ cup)
- 1 lemon/s – zest and approx. โ cup juice
- 110 g Barnes Naturals manuka honey (โ cup)
- 1 tsp vanilla
Base
- 80 g shredded coconut (1 cup)
- 100 g almond meal (1 cup)
- 3 tbsp coconut oil
- 2 tbsp Barnes Naturals manuka honey
Serve
- 60 g macadamia nuts (ยฝ cup)
- 1-2 tbsp Barnes Naturals manuka honey – to drizzle (optional)
- Edible flowers – or fresh berries to decorate (optional)
Instructions
- Start with soaking the cashew nuts. Place them in a large bowl, cover with boiling water and soak for 30-60 minutes.
- Line the base of a spring form cake tin (I used a 22cm tin). I slightly grease the tin with coconut oil then press the baking paper into the base.
- Combine all of the ingredients for the base in a bowl or food processor and mix (or pulse) to combine. Press into the base of the tin and set aside in the fridge.
- Once the cashews have soaked, place all of your filling ingredients into a high speed blender or food processor. I used a vitamix. Blend on high until the filling is smooth and silky and has no lumps or grit. It should be the consistency of a smooth cream cheese. You may need to scrape the sides of your blender or processor a few times.
- Taste and adjust the sweet/ sour flavour by adding more honey or lemon to your taste.
- Pour over the base and place in the fridge for 2-3 hours to set. Once set, remove from the tin and place on a serving plate.
- While the cheesecake is in the fridge, toast your macadamia nuts in a pre-heated oven at 120ยฐC for 8-10 minutes and allow to cool fully.
Serve
- Before serving, top the cheesecake with the macadamia nuts and drizzle with more manuka. Decorate with flowers or fresh berries. Enjoy immediately.
Store
- This can be made ahead.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.
Notes
Different flavour
Orange or lime make a wonderful citrus variation! ย ย ย ย ยWhat did you think of this delicious Lemon Manuka Cheesecake, let me know in the comments below…
Christmas Pudding (gluten and dairy-free)
As requested to add to the festive recipes, this gluten-free and dairy-free Christmas Pudding is a real show stopper. It has all of the flavours of Christmas packed into a moist, juicy pudding. Like any Christmas pudding, there is soaking and slowly cooking, but it’s very easy to make! The result is a dense, fruity pudding that is so iconic on a festive dinner table!
I’ve pushed the sugar down, however the sugar and brandy are what preserves the pudding so I could only go so low. Having said that, this pudding probably won’t keep for months as high sugar pudding do (due to the lower sugar, and the addition of fresh carrot and apple). I make mine about 2 weeks ahead.
Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or just want a comforting dessert, this pudding is sure to impress.
Health benefits
This pudding offers natural sweetness from dried fruits and a boost of fibre from the grated apple and carrot. Almond meal and macadamia nuts add healthy fats and protein, while ginger and spices provide anti-inflammatory benefits.
Ingredients
The recipe combines a variety of dried fruits, citrus zest and juice, warming spices, and almond meal (ground almonds) to create a rich and moist pudding. Optional variations make it adaptable for nut-free diets or different flours.
How to make this gluten-free Christmas Pudding
Soak the dried fruits with citrus zest, lemon and orange juice, and brandy for 24โ48 hours for a deep, rich flavour. Mix the soaked fruits with coconut sugar, grated apple and carrot, and combine with the dry ingredients. Transfer the pudding batter to a pudding tin, cover securely, and steam gently for 5 hours. Serve warm with cream, ice cream, custard or brandy sauce for a truly festive treat.
Serving suggestions and how to store
Serve this Christmas pudding with your favourite accompanimentsโcream, ice cream, custard or a classic brandy sauce. Wrap leftovers in baking paper and foil, and store in the fridge for up to two weeks, or freeze for up to three months.
Vary the Christmas pudding to suit your dietary needs
For a nut-free plum pudding, substitute almond meal and tapioca with white spelt flour and omit the macadamias. This recipe can also be customised by swapping dried fruits (like raisins) or using maple syrup if you don’t like molasses. I’m personally not a fan of peel in puddings, but feel free to add it if you like.
Try our Christmas Cake or Cherry Chocolate Pudding
Have you tried our Christmas Cake? It’s sensational too. The new Cherry Chocolate Christmas Pudding is a real hit too!
Christmas Pudding (gluten and dairy-free)
Ingredients
- 100 g currants
- 100 g sultanas
- 100 g dried cranberries
- 1 tsp mixedย spice
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ยฝ lemon/s – juice and zest
- ยฝ orange/s – juice and zest
- 100 ml brandy – or cognac
- 180 g coconut sugar or rapadura
- 1 Granny Smith apple/s – peeled and grated
- 1 carrot/s – grated
- 250 g almond meal
- 100 g macadamia nuts – finely chopped
- 100 g crystalised ginger – finely chopped
- 50 g tapioca flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ยผ tsp sea salt
- 2 egg/s
- 50 ml olive oil
- 1 tbsp organic molasses
Serve
- cream – or ice-cream
- Brandy Sauce
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine all the dried fruit, citrus zests and juices, the spices and alcohol. Cover and leave to soak for 24 to 48 hours.
- Next, mix in the coconut sugar, grated apple and carrot with a wooden spoon in a medium mixing bowl until well combined.
- In another medium mixing bowl, combine the almond meal, macadamia nuts, ginger, tapioca flour and baking powder with a pinch of salt. Mix well then combine with the coconut sugar/grated fruit mix.
- In a jug, beat the eggs, olive oil and molasses then mix into the soaked fruit mixture. Add to the almond meal/apple mixture and stir until everything is well combined into a thick batter.
- Cut a disc of baking paper for the base and top of the pudding. I just draw around the base and top of the pudding tin onto the paper then cut.
- Generously grease a 2 litre pudding basin and place the smaller cut disc of baking paper to line the bottom of the basin and press down into it. Spoon the pudding mixture in, the basin should be about two thirds full. Place the second disc of baking paper on top of the pudding mix.
- If you have a pudding tin with a lid, securely fit the lid.
- If you donโt have a lid for your pudding tin, cover the top of the basin with a large sheet of pleated baking paper and a large sheet of pleated foil, tying tightly with a string to keep in firmly place. Click HERE for a simple demonstration of covering and making a handle to lift the pudding.
- Once youโve covered the basin well, place it in a large deep lidded pot big enough to comfortably hold the pudding. Then pour boiling water into the pan (not over the pudding basin, just down the side) so it comes about halfway up the pudding tin. Put the lid onto the saucepan or pot and heat over a low-medium heat so that it simmers gently for 5 hours, checking the water level every hour or two topping up with boiled water when it drops below quarter way. Itโs important not to let it simmer dry.
- Once the pudding has steamed, remove from pot of boiling water and allow to rest for 15 minutes or so.
- Once cool enough to handle, remove the pudding from the the pan by removing the lid (or foil) and placing a serving plate on top, then flip to invert it.
Serve
- With cream, ice cream or brandy creme.
Store
- Wrap in baking paper and then tightly in foil. Store in the fridge for up to two weeks or until ready to serve. Or you can freeze it for up to 3 months (airtight).
Reheat
- You can place it back into the pudding tin, cover and re-steam it for 30 mins.
- Or place (wrapped tightly) in the oven 150ยฐC/300ยฐF (fan-forced) for an hour. If you have a steam oven you can definitely reheat it there too.
Notes
Nut-free
Replace the almond meal and tapioca with 250g white spelt flour. Omit the macadamia nuts. ย ย ย ย ย ยWhat did you think of this delicious gluten-free and dairy-free Christmas Pudding..let me know below…
Brandy Sauce
The best accompaniment to Christmas Pudding is a good Brandy Sauce. This simple, easy to make Brandy Sauce is a delicious, low sugar option that is the perfect topping. I used rapadura as my sugar but this does add a bit more golden colour to the sauce. You can use caster sugar if you’d prefer…
Yorkshire Pudding (gluten-free)
Yorkshire Pudding was a request from a member – it’s a classic recipe though I’ve given it a Well Nourished twist. Sometimes it’s these simple recipes that give me the most trouble. I think I’ve tested about 15 different versions of this and these are by far the easiest and most fail proof. They produce…
Biscotti
Who doesn’t love the Italian classic biscuit – Biscotti! Whilst the dough is surprisingly simple to make, you do need to follow the instructions closely and you absolutely need a very sharp serrated knife to cut them. Biscotti, otherwise known as โcantucciโ are the classic twice-baked Italian biscuits from Tuscany and, if you havenโt heard about them before,…
Sweet Roasted Carrots
This Sweet Roasted Carrots recipe turns the humble carrot into something very special. You can of course add in any extra vegetables you like to extend the variety of this dish. Also feel free to mix it up with different coloured carrots if available to you. Health benefits Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, a precursor…



