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Revisit: Kate’s Leftover Easter Chocolate Smash!

Revisit: Kate’s Leftover Easter Chocolate Smash!

by | Mar 18, 2023 | Edition 2, Family, Featured, Food, Trending

Revisit: Kate’s Leftover Easter Chocolate Smash!

Kate’s Leftover Easter Chocolate Smash!

Hello lovely people, I hope you all had a wonderful chocolate bunny filled Easter and enjoyed a well deserved long weekend of rest and delicious food! 

I just wanted to share a little recipe that I’ve made with my kids, to get rid of the left over Easter egg chocolate that sits in the cupboard calling your name every time you walk past! It’s a chocolate bark smash full of lots of healthy ingredients that the kids will love to add along the way. 

 

Ingredients:

  • 200g of milk chocolate – or dark chocolate – at least 70% organic for a healthier snack alternative 
  • 30g of white chocolate for the topping
  • 50g of dried fruit of your choice e.g. raspberries/cherries/goji berries/cranberries
  • 20g of nuts – crushed in a pestle and mortar e.g. pistachio/walnuts/almonds – you can leave the nuts out if you prefer, just add a different dried fruit 

What you will need:

  • Medium saucepan
  • Glass bowl to rest on the top of the saucepan for melting the chocolate
  • Spatula/mixing spoon
  • Medium size baking tray
  • Parchment paper

Method:

  • Weigh out all ingredients before beginning the following process…
  • Place the chocolate in the bowl, grab the saucepan and fill with cold water approx 200ml 
  • Place the bowl of chocolate on top of the saucepan and heat on a medium to high heat
  • When you notice the chocolate begin to melt, stir continuously with a spatula until smooth 
  • In the meantime, cover the baking tray with parchment paper
  • Once the chocolate has fully melted, pour into the baking tray and spread evenly with a spatula approx half to 1cm thick
  • Add the fruit and nuts, spacing evenly. Push any larger piece into the chocolate so they set properly and place in the fridge for 10 mins
  • Meanwhile, melt the topping chocolate the same way as the milk chocolate 
  • When the 10 mins is up, remove from fridge and using a fork, flick the topping chocolate over the bark chocolate and fruit and nut pieces on the baking tray
  • Return back to the fridge for 30 mins or until fully set
  • When set, remove the parchment paper and smash with a rolling pin into snack size pieces
  • Share with family and friends and enjoy!

I also make this as a snack for myself but use dark chocolate (as mentioned above) and leave out the extra chocolate topping. Store these in an airtight container in the fridge and they will last up to a week, although I doubt they’ll be any left after a few days, they’re that delicious!

Ingredients Facts:

  • Chocolate – Some research suggest there may be healthful nutrients belonging to chocolate, including improved immunity, greater longevity and quicker recovery from intense exercise. Dark chocolate without unhealthy additives and sugar have been shown to lower blood pressure, cancer and stroke risk as effectively as antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables.
  • Raspberries – Packed with antioxidants, potential benefits in regulating metabolism and fighting diseases – contains the antioxidant compound, ellagic acid, which is cancer protective
  • Cherries – Rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory and help in the treatment of gout. They also contain melatonin, which helps treat insomnia and encourage good sleep.
  • Cranberries – Again, high in antioxidants, helps prevent infections from taking hold in the urinary tract, kidneys, and bladder. Aids digestion by helping to prevent stomach ulcers, helps alleviate heavy periods, stomach upsets, sore throats and laryngitis.
  • Goji Berries – These berries belong to the nightshade family that includes chilli peppers and tomatoes and are rich in a combination of antioxidant nutrients that benefit cardiovascular health – they contain carotenoids known to boost metabolic processes and promote good sleep and memory.
  • Almonds – Good source of zinc, magnesium, potassium, vitamin E, which supports the brain, cardiovascular and respiratory systems and are rich in cholesterol-lowering monounsaturated fatty acids and help regulate blood sugar levels.
  • Pistachio Nuts – Contain anti-inflammatory properties, high in beta-carotene, oleanolic acid and phytosterols, a type of anti-inflammatory plant hormone associated with improved immune function, lower levels of LDL cholesterol and reduced risk of cancer.
  • Walnuts – Rich source of Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and omega-3 fatty acid. ALA helps lower unhealthy cholesterol (LDL) levels and keeps arteries healthy. They contain antioxidants and tocopherols (Vit E complex), helping to reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease and maintain skin and tissue health. They also contain serotonin, a brain chemical that can help lift depression. 

READ MORE FROM KATE HERE

easter egg leftovers
Nutritionist Kate Devine
Easter Eggs Leftover
KATE DEVINE IMAGES ©
written BY KATE DEVINE

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HOW TO MANAGE THE CLOCKS SPRINGING FORWARD

by | Mar 22, 2023 | , ,

Twice a year when the clocks change, we are inundated with questions and parents asking what they can do. Although the spring clock change can play havoc with our bodies (an increase in heart attacks and strokes the day after this happen) but it can really help you if you have a little one who likes waking before 5am!

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Veggie Egg Muffins & sweet oat muffins recipe by Kate Devine

Veggie Egg Muffins & sweet oat muffins recipe by Kate Devine

by | Mar 6, 2023 | Featured, Food

Veggie Egg Muffins & sweet oat muffins recipe by Kate Devine

Veggie Egg Muffins, sweet oat muffins and Spring Foods

By Kate Devine

Well, it’s been a while! I’ve missed writing my monthly articles for you lovely people! I’ve been a busy bee with lots of exciting work projects, celebrating Christmas and a BIG birthday for myself which obviously took over the whole month! But I’m back and armed with lost of information, advice and recipes for you to try.

March sees the return of Spring and of course, Mother’s Day on Sunday 19th. This day is portrayed as a day of togetherness, happiness and appreciation but can be difficult for some. From mothers who have lost children, children who have lost mothers, or those with struggling relationships around motherhood and with parents, the reality can be very different. We hear you, we see you and we support you.

I’ve put together a sweet and savoury, easy-to-make, breakfast recipe to enjoy on Mother’s Day morning (or any morning for that matter) made by whoever, for whatever reason you want!

Oven-baked breakfast muffins – sweet and savoury…

 

Veggie Egg Muffins

Veggie Egg Muffins

You will need:

Silicone baking cups x12 – optional
12 cup cake muffin tin
Spray oil to grease the muffin tin if not using baking cups – I use coconut oil
Shallow pan/skillet
Large mixing bowl and whisk

Ingredients:

10/12 eggs
Veggies of your choice -1/2 cup – I used red onion, red pepper, mushrooms, spinach – chopped into small pieces
1/3 cup crumbled feta or cheese of your choice
2 tbsp chopped parsley
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
1 tsp olive oil

Method:

Preheat the oven to 180C (fan)/200C
Prep the muffin tin by either spraying each muffin mould with the coconut oil or place the silicone baking cups in each mould and add one spray of the oil inside each cup
Add the eggs to the mixing bowl, along with the salt and pepper and whisk together. Set aside
Heat the skillet pan over a medium heat and add the olive oil
Add the veggies of your choice for 5 mins or until they begin to soften
Add the veggies to the whisked eggs along with the feta and parsley and mix well
Transfer the mixture to a measuring jug and pour equal amounts into the individual baking cups – roughly 1/3 cup per muffin
Place in the oven and bake for 17-20mins, or until the muffin cups are no longer wobbly and an inserted toothpick comes out clean
Remove from the oven and allow to cool
Enjoy immediately.

Note – You can prep these ahead of time and store them in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, pop them in the microwave for 40-60 seconds to reheat.

 

4-Way Sweet Oat Muffins

Optional Topping Choices: – quantities for 3 muffins in each flavour

Apple and Cinnamon – 2 tbsps finely diced apples and a pinch of cinnamon
Chocolate and Banana – 3 banana slices and 2 tsp mini chocolate chips
Strawberry and Coconut – 2 tbsp fresh, diced strawberries and 2 tsp unsweetened coconut flakes
Blueberry and Almond – 2 tbsp fresh blueberries and 2 tsp sliced almonds

You will need:

Silicone baking cups x12 – optional
12 cup cake muffin tin
Spray oil to grease the muffin tin if not using baking cups – I use coconut oil
X2 Large mixing bowls

Ingredients:

2 large bananas (overripe are best) mashed
2 large eggs
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 cup unsweetened almond milk or milk of your choice
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups jumbo rolled oats
1/2 cup oat flour – this can be bought in the supermarket or you can make your own by placing 1/2 cup of oats in a blender and blend until flour like consistency
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt

Method:

Preheat the oven to 180C (fan)/200C
Prep the muffin tin by either spraying each muffin mould with the coconut oil or place the silicone baking cups in each mould and add one spray of the oil inside each cup
In a large bowl, mash the banana and add the eggs, maple syrup, milk and vanilla. Mix to combine and set aside
In the other large bowl, mix together the oats, oat flour, baking powder, cinnamon and salt
Slowly add the wet ingredient to the dry ingredients and mix until combined
Using a spoon, divide the mixture equally between the muffin cups until filled close to the top
Add the desired topping to the top of each cup, pressing in slightly so some of the ingredients reach the centre of the muffins
Bake for 20-25mins or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean
Allow to cool for 15-20mins before removing from the muffin tin.

Note – You can prep these ahead of time and store them in a sealed container in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. You can deforest them by placing in the fridge overnight to allow them to thaw but if you forget this step, you can still defrost from frozen by wrapping in a paper towel, placing in the microwave and heating for 30-60 seconds until warm throughout.

oat muffins

Spring has (nearly) sprung and that means a change in some foods that we should eat to keep us healthy throughout this new season. When foods are in season, obviously they taste better due to being richer in vitamins and minerals, but eating seasonal foods is also more sustainable as they are relevant to your geographical area and therefore require less travel, packaging and storing, while supporting small farmers and the local economy. Growing and consuming crops seasonally not only guarantees flavourful and nutritious produce, but promotes a varied diet and allows the environment to cycle through its natural resources and seasons like it would without human intervention.

I’m pretty sure we’ve all heard of the tomato shortage that’s swept the nation recently? Or as I noticed on a news app the other day, ‘Salad crisis to hit Britain!’. WOW, no wonder we all panic bought toilet rolls in the pandemic! Well, rest assure, it’s only due to the unexpected weather conditions abroad, therefore the fruit and veg that gets imported hasn’t grown as it should. I’ve read that things will return to ‘normal’ within 6-8 weeks so no need to panic people!

Here’s a list of some of the foods, and their amazing properties, that are in season during Spring:

Apple – help balance blood sugar levels, strengthen bones, lower cholesterol and provide relief from constipation and diarrhoea
Artichoke – help balance blood sugar levels, lower cholesterol, aid the digestion of fat and has a mild laxative and diuretic
Asparagus – help strengthen the immune system, keeps blood vessels supple, removes energy-draining toxins and has a mild laxative action
Beetroot – Has a liver-cleaning action, lowers the risk of heart attack, improves blood oxygen uptake and has an anti-diabetic effect
Broccoli – promotes collagen synthesis, strengthens the immune system, promotes prostate health and protects eye health – make sure to eat the leaves as they contain the most beta-carotene
Cabbage – helps heal ulcers, supports healthy liver function, fights free-radical damage to skin
Carrots – help lower cholesterol, powerful antioxidant, aids digestion and feeling of fullness and helps maintain good eyesight
Chicory – promotes healthy digestive tract, removes toxins from the blood, natural sedative properties and has a mild diuretic action
Leeks – feed the good gut bacteria, helps lower cholesterol, powerful antibiotic action and have a gentle diuretic and laxative
Parsnip – helps lower cholesterol levels, contain anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties, boosts your immune system and aids digestion
Purple Sprouting Broccoli – contains more antioxidants than green varieties but more prone to nutrient loss when cooking
Radishes – help lower blood pressure, supports healthy liver function, treats congestion and inflammation
Rhubarb – helps strengthen bones, protects against neurological-degeneration, lowers cholesterol and helps protect eye health
Spring Onions – feed the good gut bacteria, helps lower cholesterol, powerful antibiotic action and contains immunity-boosting sulphur compounds
Watercress – contains anti-cancer substances, aids digestion, promotes clear skin

Try to include these foods in your diet as much as possible over the next few months to ensure you and your family are getting the most out of this seasons natural produce.

written BY KATE DEVINE

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HOW TO MANAGE THE CLOCKS SPRINGING FORWARD

by | Mar 22, 2023 | , ,

Twice a year when the clocks change, we are inundated with questions and parents asking what they can do. Although the spring clock change can play havoc with our bodies (an increase in heart attacks and strokes the day after this happen) but it can really help you if you have a little one who likes waking before 5am!

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BLUEBERRY DUMP CAKE & FIZZY FESTIVE FRUIT COCKTAIL CUBES BY KATE DEVINE

BLUEBERRY DUMP CAKE & FIZZY FESTIVE FRUIT COCKTAIL CUBES BY KATE DEVINE

by | Nov 29, 2022 | Christmas, Edition 8

BLUEBERRY DUMP CAKE & FIZZY FESTIVE FRUIT COCKTAIL CUBES BY KATE DEVINE

I love everything about this time of year. The preparing, the celebrating, the socialising, the woolly jumpers, the cosy nights in watching ‘I’m a celebrity’ religiously for 3 whole weeks! What’s not to love?! Talking of preparing, this the week I’ve been thinking of wholesome, family foods to share with you all to enjoy throughout the festive season. Instead of a main meal, I’m thinking more about a warm, hearty dessert filled with sweet fruits with a crunchy, crumbly texture which is perfect to share with friends and family during the festive season. Introducing the Blueberry Dump Cake. Not the most enticing name for a dessert, I know, but it’s an original American recipe which comes from the concept of this cake – dump and bake! Quite literally you ‘dump’ the ingredients into a baking dish and bake. It’s as simple as that! I use the term ‘cake’ loosely, it’s more of a crumble or cobbler to me but let’s roll with it! It’s pretty simple and take around 40mins to make and bake so you’ll be done in the kitchen in no time.

 

Here’s the recipe, give it a try, you won’t be disappointed!

 

BLUEBERRY DUMP CAKE – Serves 8

 

You will need:

 

  • A medium sized oven proof dish
  • A mixing bowl

 

Ingredients:

 

  • 3 cups of frozen blueberries – you can use fresh, just reduce the cooking time by 5-10mins
  • 1/2 cup of sugar free sweetener
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1/4 tsp Xanthan gum
  • 1/2 cup coconut flour
  • 1/4 cup almond flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup melted butter/coconut oil
  • Handful pecan nuts – crushed (optional)

 

Method:

 

  • Pre-heat the oven to 200 degrees C or 375 degrees F
  • Place the blueberries, sweetener, lemon juice, xanthan gum in a bowl and mix well, coating all the blueberries
  • Once mixed, empty the blueberries into the ovenproof dish
  • In a clean mixing bowl, add the coconut flour, almond flour, baking powder, egg, cinnamon and salt and mix together
  • Layer the mixture over the blueberries
  • Drizzle the melted butter/coconut oil evenly over the top of the mixture
  • Sprinkle the crushed pecan nuts over the top if using
  • Place in the oven for approximately 30 mins or until the top is golden brown
  • Enjoy with piping hot custard or a scoop of your favourite ice cream.
Festive Fizzy Ice Cubes

Something else we all enjoy during December is raising a glass with friends and family, below you will find my ‘fizzy fruit cocktail cubes’ recipe which are perfect for both the adults and the children to enjoy!

 

FIZZY FESTIVE FRUIT COCKTAIL CUBES

 

You will need:

 

  • Ice cube trays – one regular square shaped tray and one star shaped tray if possible
  • Clear tumbler glasses – to get the full effect of the colourful fruit

 

Ingredients:

 

  • Fizzy water/lemonade/champagne
  • Blueberries
  • Raspberries
  • Cranberry juice

 

Method:

 

  • Prepare the fruit ice the night before you plan on making these drinks – start by filling the star tray with the blueberries and raspberries and fill each mould with regular water and place in the freezer
  • Do the same with the cranberry juice in the square shaped ice tray and place in the freezer
  • Once frozen, place the cranberry cube(s) in the glasses first, then a fruit star, then the sparkling water/champagne to get the nice colour gradient in the glass
  • Be careful not to get the fizzy water drinks mixed up with the champagne drinks!
  • Raise your glass and enjoy!

 

And as usual, don’t forget to share your creations with us @broodmagazine and @thedevinelife and feel free to drop us a DM with anything you might want help with or any nutrition related questions you might have. I’m more than happy to help!

written BY KATE DEVINE

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HOW TO MANAGE THE CLOCKS SPRINGING FORWARD

by | Mar 22, 2023 | , ,

Twice a year when the clocks change, we are inundated with questions and parents asking what they can do. Although the spring clock change can play havoc with our bodies (an increase in heart attacks and strokes the day after this happen) but it can really help you if you have a little one who likes waking before 5am!

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HEALTHY HALLOWEEN PLATTER AND OCTOBER WELLNESS BY KATE DEVINE

HEALTHY HALLOWEEN PLATTER AND OCTOBER WELLNESS BY KATE DEVINE

by | Oct 20, 2022 | Balance, Edition 7, Family, Food

HEALTHY HALLOWEEN PLATTER AND OCTOBER WELLNESS BY KATE DEVINE

Healthy Halloween platter and October Wellness 

October, the month of spookiness and seasonal changes.

I can’t tell you how many time I’ve discussed the weather with clients over the past month. A strange sentence to begin with, I know, but bear with…

There’s been a definite shift in temperature and autumnal days are getting more and more. Thankfully, these include crisp, sunny days but so far, there’s been more rainy and dull days. This is the reason why I wanted to quickly discuss something that has been cropping up a lot in my clinic recently…Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD.

SAD is a hormonal imbalance between melatonin and serotonin; due to the reduced amount of time we spend outside during the colder months. It affects approximately 2 million people just in the UK alone and is predominantly more common in women than men.

As the days begin dark and draw to a close earlier and earlier, you may find yourself feeling a bit ‘meh’ more than usual. Here’s the sciencey bit – a small gland in the brain called the pineal gland, produces more of the hormone melatonin during the winter months, which regulates glandular function and makes us feel more sleepy. Serotonin, Melatonin’s counterpart, is known as the ‘happy hormone’ and is secreted during daylight exposure. Therefore, the less daylight, the less serotonin and the more out of balance the two become.

Symptoms may include:

  • Low mood
  • Appetite increase/food cravings – when there is insufficient daylight available, the body will try and boost its serotonin levels by craving sugary, starchy carbohydrates and fatty foods
  • Low energy
  • Irritability
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Low libido
  • Depression
  • PMS-type symptoms
  • Increased desire to sleep – sleepy during the day but unable to sleep at night
  • Increased feeling of ‘feeling useless’

I always recommend to my clients to try to get outside as much as possible; for a walk/exercise, enjoy your down time by sitting reading a book outside/drinking a mug of something warm, gardening, walking your dog/cat (that’s a thing, right?). It doesn’t have to be anything too overwhelming, but getting that exposure to natural daylight will help to keep a balance between the sleepy and happy hormones!

Light therapy is another good way of balancing those hormones for those times when you can’t get outside. A light therapy box or lamp mimics outdoor light. It is composed of fluorescent lights on a metal reflective base with a plastic screen on top to diffuse the light and filter out harmful UV rays. All you have to do is sit in front of it, close enough so that your eyes and skin can absorb the light (follow the manufacturers instructions as they all differ slightly). The machine gives off a bright light that simulates outdoor sunshine, therefore boosting serotonin, melatonin and vitamin D, as well as other beneficial effects. You can find them at www.lumie.com or Amazon but make sure it has no less than 10,000 lux.

Supplementation of Vitamin D (especially D3) is a must as well, for the same reason as above – lack of sunlight exposure on the skin. Vitamin D is responsible for the absorption of calcium and phosphorus; both are critical for building bone and maintaining teeth and muscle health. It can also help reduce cancer cell growth, help control infections and reduce inflammation. It is naturally present in only a few foods like the flesh of fatty fish and in smaller amounts in egg yolk and beef liver; but added to some foods like fortified cereals, orange juice, dairy & non-dairy milks.

I would recommend to supplement during the months of October to March as these are the months we are likely to spend less time outdoors. The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for vitamin D supplementation for adults is between 800IU-1000IU per day and babies and children between 400IU-600IU per day, with the Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) for adults and children age 9 and over is 4000IU per day.

Avoiding/reducing intake of certain foods and drinks can help alleviate SAD symptoms, such as:

  • Caffeine – coffee, black tea, fizzy drinks/energy drinks
  • Sugary and starchy carbohydrates – chocolate/sweets/processed foods
  • Alcohol – it lowers brain levels of serotonin (happy hormone) so reduce and limit

Friendly foods to incorporate into your daily diet to help alleviate SAD symptoms would be:

  • Serotonin-boosting foods – poultry (chicken/turkey,) cottage cheese, eggs, spinach, soy, bananas
  • Omega 3 brain-boosting foods – oily fish (salmon/sardines), nuts, seeds, avocado
  • Fibre-rich foods – beans (canellini/kidney), lentils, broccoli, sweet potatoes, bright colour fruits and vegetables
  • B Vitamin foods – liver, poultry, seafood, dairy products (milk, cheese), leafy greens, eggs, legumes (beans/peas/lentils/chickpeas)

Oh a slightly brighter note (kind of), it’s Halloween month! I’m already stocking up on decorations and costumes for the younger boys (the oldest is too cool for school these days and would definitely not wear a halloween costume) and thinking about what food to prepare, of course!  

I’ve been working on some healthy, scary, fun ideas and the winner, with my kids, was a Halloween sharing platter. It’s basically lots of snacks all placed creatively on a platter and decorated for the occasion. Here’s a few ideas, should you wish to create your own!

Things you’ll need:

  • Halloween cookie cutters – I got mine from Amazon or I have noticed them in the baking isles at supermarkets at the moment
  • Edible eyes – as above
  • White cooking chocolate
  • Small marshmallows like what you’d have in hot chocolate
  • Drinking straws – two sizes
  • The rest of the things are basic cupboard/fridge staples
  • Pesky Pumpkins – made from whole, peeled tangerine with a small piece of celery for the stem
  • Strawberry Yummy Mummies – whole strawberries including stem, with melted white chocolate drizzled using a fork to create the bandages and an edible eye in the centre – keep in the fridge until ready to use
  • Monstrous Mouths – using an apple, cut into four equal quarters, remove the core and slice evenly to create ‘lips’, spread with soft nut butter on one side of each slice and put in pairs to use as top and bottom lips. Add small white marshmallows to one piece using the nut butter to stick to and place the other on top. Put out last as they tend to brown quickly
  • Boo Bananas – use 2 bananas, cut in half and slice down the centre to make 4 banana ghosts. Using a knife, cut out small triangle shape around the straight edge to make the bottom of the ghost. Add two chocolate chips for eyes on each piece. Put out last as they tend to brown quickly
  • Creaking Coffin Pittas – using the coffin cutter, cut out as many coffin shapes as required and lightly toast – I paired with hummus/guacamole to dip and placed the edible eye on top
  • Creepy Cucumber Skulls – cut the cucumber into discs, using the bigger of the straws poke out the eye holes and use the smaller for the nostril holes. Using a knife, cut a small semi circle from the sides on the nostrils to the chin to create a skull shape
  • Crustless Spooky Sandwiches – Make a sandwich with a filling of your choice, cut out different shapes using the cookie cutters to make different Halloween themed creations
  • Boiled Bat Cheese – Using the bat cutter, press into hard cheese slices
  • Edible Evil Eggs – Hard boil as many eggs as necessary, wait to cool and remove the shell. Cut in half, lengthways and use black olives, sliced into small triangular pieces as the eyes.

I hope you have fun creating Halloween goodies with your families and don’t forget to tag @the.devine.life and @broodmagazine if you post any pics on social media. We love seeing all your creations!

Happy Halloween!!

      Halloween Foods by Kate Devine
      Kate Devine's Kids tucking into a healthy halloween platter
      written BY KATE DEVINE

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      HOW TO MANAGE THE CLOCKS SPRINGING FORWARD

      by | Mar 22, 2023 | , ,

      Twice a year when the clocks change, we are inundated with questions and parents asking what they can do. Although the spring clock change can play havoc with our bodies (an increase in heart attacks and strokes the day after this happen) but it can really help you if you have a little one who likes waking before 5am!

      read more
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      KATE DEVINE’S: NO BAKE RASPBERRY & CHOCOLATE ENERGY BARS

      KATE DEVINE’S: NO BAKE RASPBERRY & CHOCOLATE ENERGY BARS

      by | Sep 20, 2022 | Balance, Edition 6, Featured, Food

      KATE DEVINE’S: NO BAKE RASPBERRY & CHOCOLATE ENERGY BARS

      It’s back to school time!! Hallelujah!! Of course I love my kids unconditionally but WOW, I’ll definitely be that parent skipping and smiling out of the school gates at drop off on their first day back! 

      I’m sure many of you have been juggling work, summer holidays, life in general and now uniform shopping, queuing in school shoe shops and spending too many hours searching for just the right pens, pencils and protractors for your cherubs new, squeaky clean pencil case! I do have to laugh though, I mean, it’s as if my kids were last at school a year ago and absolutely nothing will fit them and I must absolutely buy them everything new or else…..what?! They’ll just wear the uniform they wore 8 weeks ago which pretty much still fits them! The sheer panic when trawling the shops is funny really.

      Anyway, onto food talk….more specifically, packed lunches. Trying to find healthy foods that our kids will eat when left to their own devices in the dinner hall is near impossible. They’ll always pick the tastiest options or just not eat what we put in their lunchboxes and go hungry. Neither is ideal. So, I find building their lunchboxes with them the most effective way to get them to eat well. Okay, so let’s be realistic here as well….you’ve been working late or done a million after school clubs and just about manage to feed your kid(s) dinner and get them in bed at a decent hour, then you realise you’ve got to do their lunchboxes! You’re not going to wake them and get them to join you in the slightly tedious process of creating a nutritious yet tasty lunch for the following day. BUT, you can perhaps spend some time over the weekend/evenings chatting and swapping ideas of what they might like to have for the coming weeks lunches. And if you are organised one night, before bed, ask them if they want to help you make their lunch for the next day and that you want to make sure they’re going to enjoy and want everything you put in there. Also, don’t forget they can take leftover dinners such as pasta or rice dishes, which they can eat cold or pittas, wraps or bagels. It doesn’t have to just be soggy sandwiches, crisps and chocolate bars!

      One of the main things I would recommend to incorporate into their lunches is variety. Try to add different texture foods – sweet, salty, crunchy and soft, like pretzels, raisins, grapes, tortilla chips, chocolate rice crackers and nuts (be aware of allergies of course, or anyone in their class or who they sit with that may have nut allergies!). I also find putting their food into individual containers, not only keeps it fresher for longer but you can get really cute little jars and pots for their snacks that they will love as it’s something to show their friends and makes their food more interesting. I get mine from Amazon, they’ve got a huge variety that your kids can get involved in choosing with you.

      I also find that when I pick mine up from school, they are STARVING – and must eat right now or else they’re going to collapse from the hunger! So dramatic. So I’ve been experimenting with healthy energy bars to take at pick up so they can survive the journey home and not collapse along the way! The most popular ones are the Raspberry and Chocolate ones, they are no cook and quick to make with minimal fuss. You can also cut into smaller portions and use in their lunchboxes to help avoid that afternoon sugar dip and keep them alert and brainy! Here’s the recipe for you to try…

      No Bake Raspberry & Chocolate Energy Bars

      You will need:

      • Rectangular baking tin – like a bread tin (9inch x 5inch approx)
      • Parchment paper
      • Food processor
      • Spatula

      Ingredients:

      Base – 

      • 1 cup almonds
      • 1 cup cashew nuts
      • 1/2 cup desiccated coconut
      • 2 tbsp Maca powder
      • 2 tbsp cacao powder
      • 1 cup dates
      • 2 tbsp smooth peanut butter
      • 1-3 tbsp almond milk

      Top – 

      • 2 cups frozen raspberries
      • 2 tbsp acai powder
      • 1-2 tbsp rice malt syrup/maple syrup
      • 2 tbsp melted coconut oil
      • 3/4 cup desiccated coconut
      • 1/4 cup chia seeds
      • 1 tbsp smooth peanut butter
      • 1/2 cup cashew nuts
      • 1 tsp vanilla extract

      Optional – 1 cup dark/milk chocolate for the top – melt in a saucepan and use a folk to drizzle over the top before freezing

      Method:

      • Line the baking tray with parchment paper
      • Place all base ingredients – accept almond milk – in the food processor and blend until fine and crumbly – if mixture is too dry and doesn’t bind when pushed down, add a small amount of almond milk until sticky
      • Using the spatula push the base down firmly and place in the freezer while you prepare the top layer
      • Place all topping ingredients into the food processor and blend until smooth – the mixture will still be fairly thick due to the frozen berries
      • Remove the base from the freezer and place the mixture on top of the base and push down with the spatula until firm
      • Add the chocolate drizzle at this point if using
      • Place in the freezer for half an hour and once set, cut into bars or squares if using for lunch box snacks
      • For storage – keep in the fridge for up to 1 week or in the freezer for up to 1 month and remove a piece at a time prior to eating to allow it to thaw.

        NO BAKE RASPBERRY & CHOCOLATE ENERGY BARS
        written BY KATE DEVINE

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