Working with kale

Kale is very popular at the moment which is a good thing as it is packed with beneficial nutrients. Kale is easy to grow and a versatile leaf, it grows year-round in Auckland and is available in many varieties.

Preparing kale is easy enough you just need to follow some simple steps

Wash the kale before you use it, make sure you get rid of all the slugs. Use cold running water to clean the kale then let it sit on some kitchen towel to get rid of any excess water 

Place the kale onto a chopping board flat.

Place the leaf flat

Using a sharp knife slice along the stem of the leaf.

Repeat with the other side of the leaf.

Slice along the stem

This will remove the stem and give you two kale leaves 

Repeat with the other side of the leaf

You now have the option of using the leaves as they are or cutting them up into strips.

Roll the leaf

If you are cutting the leaves up further, you can roll the leaves up into a cigar before slicing them.

Slice the roll


How to make a quenelle

Quenelle- The term is also used to describe the beautiful shape of the portions a neat, three-sided oval (resembling a mini rugby ball) that is formed by gently smoothing the mixture between two dessert spoons. A quenelle shape can also be formed from other foods such as chocolate mousse.

Simple steps to create a Quenelle

Follow the simple steps below to create a perfect Quenelle

Simple oval

Take a tablespoon and scoop a heaped spoon portion of the mixture.

Roll the mixture into an oval using your hands. 

If the mixture sticks to your hands, you can use a little water to help.

Quenelle

Take two teaspoons.

Take two teaspoons.
Take two teaspoons.

With one of the teaspoons scoop up a heaping portion of the mixture.

With one of the teaspoons scoop up a heaping portion of the mixture.
With one of the teaspoons scoop up a heaping portion of the mixture.

Taking the second spoon, push the portion off the first spoon.

Taking the second spoon, push the portion off the first spoon.
Taking the second spoon, push the portion off the first spoon.

Repeat the transfer of the portion from one spoon to the other gently smoothing the mixture into an oval shape.

Repeat the transfer of the portion from one spoon to the other gently smoothing the mixture into an oval shape.
Quenelle
Quenelle

Take two teaspoons.

With one of the teaspoons scoop up a heaping portion of the mixture.

Taking the second spoon, push the portion off the first spoon.

Repeat the transfer of the portion from one spoon to the other gently smoothing the mixture into an oval shape.


Simple steps for eating clean 

Clean eating

Strong seems to be the new skinny; actually, I think that lean is the new skinny, but strong is in the mix so woo hoo!

Getting lean doesn’t happen because you get strong, being lean has very little to do with what you are doing in the gym, it is about what you do in the kitchen.  Getting lean means eating clean, step away from the pizza and beer and head towards the broccoli and chicken.  Here are some simple steps to get you on the right track for being lean.

Cut out the crap

Processed foods contain a lot of crap; added sugars, oil, flavours, preservatives and fillers. Most of the things you find in processed foods are there to pad out the ‘food’ or make it last in the packet; these are things that are not items you want to include in your diet.  A simple rule to live by when buying anything a packet or can is if it has more than 3 ingredients on the label leave it alone.

Watch out for that meal in a cup

We often get caught out with what we drink now what we eat, that cup of coffee has calories in it than you might think. That medium flat white is the equivalent of eating a salad, and that mocha is the same as eating a portion of French fries.  Before you order up that milk laden coffee remember it is a meal and adjust what you eat around it.

Eat real meat, fruit and vegetables

Eating whole food is the best approach to eating clean and getting lean. Picking foods that have not been processed means you minimise the chemicals you expose your body to and you are fuelling it with foods that it knows how to handle.

Eat little and often

Eating 3 big meals in a day may work for some people, but for most of us, it is not ideal. Eating 4 to 6 smaller meals across the day is much better.  Having more meals will help keep your metabolism humming, and the small portions will help you not to overeat because you should never be starving hungry/hangry.

So remember when you are looking to get lean and eat clean

  • Remove processed foods
  • Avoid added sugar, fats and chemicals
  • Remove alcohol
  • Drink black tea and coffee
  • Eat whole foods – meats, fruits, and vegetables
  • Eat smaller portions more often
  • Eat breakfast every day

Tray of meatballs

How to make meatballs

Here is another quick, easy and practical post to add to your kitchen skill toolbox.

Meatballs are an easy weeknight option, they are easy to make, and each one can be made into a little flavour bomb. 

Making meatballs is easy, a little messy but easy. You can follow these key steps to make tender meatballs every time no matter what flavours you put in the mix. Remember that meatballs are comfort food, so it is ok to keep it simple. 

Homemade meatballs
Homemade meatballs

Picking the right meat 

The most important thing about your meatballs is the meat (obviously). It doesn’t matter what meat you want to use for your meatballs, what is important is fat. The fat content of the meat is what will give you tender meatballs; if you use lean meat make sure you keep an eye on the meatballs while they cook. Without fat, you get dry, chewy meatballs. 

Remember that you can mix and match your meat. 

Beef mince
Beef mince

Do you need to bind it? 

Traditionally people add eggs and breadcrumbs to meatballs; I have never actually seen the need to add a binder to meatballs. Depending on what meat you use will generally dictate if you need to add anything to keep the meatballs together. I often find that sticker meats (sausage meat, chicken mince, or turkey) benefit from having something added to keep in some of the moisture. If you are looking to add a binder, look at adding coconut flour and egg. Just remember a little coconut flour goes a long way. 

Coconut flour
Coconut flour
Egg
Egg

Don’t handle the meat too much 

Another key thing to remember is not to overwork the meat. You want to work the meat as little as possible. The best tool you have for mixing ingredients in your hands, and this makes it easier to feel when everything is combined well. I know that working meat with your hands can feel a little gross, but your hands are the best tools for mixing and rolling. 

Making meatballs

Add the dry ingredients to the bowl
Add the dry ingredients to the bowl
Add the herbs and egg if you are using lean meat.
Add the herbs and egg if you are using lean meat.
Add the meat to the bowl
Add the meat to the bowl
Use your hands to mix together the meat.
Use your hands to mix together the meat.
Don't overwork the meat
Don’t overwork the meat
Make sure everything is well combined
Make sure everything is well combined
Divide the meat mix into portions
Divide the meat mix into portions
Roll the portions into balls
Roll the portions into balls
  1. Add the dry ingredients to the bowl.
  2. Add the herbs and egg if you are using lean meat.
  3. Add the meat to the bowl.
  4. Use your hands to mix together the meat.
  5. Don’t overwork the meat.
  6. Make sure everything is well combined
  7. Divide the meat mix into portions
  8. Roll the portions into balls

How should you cook them? 

There are two options for cooking meatballs, roast them or cook them in a sauce. 

If you intend to freeze the meatballs or to serve them without sauce roasting is the best option. You can grill or roast the meatballs, make sure you let them cool before freezing. 

If your meatballs are going to be served with sauce, the best option is to cook the meatballs in the sauce, which will add flavour to the meat and keep it tender. 


What items should you invest in for the kitchen?

What should you spend money on?

When you start to spend more time in your kitchen, you start to realise that high-quality equipment makes a big difference to the effort required from you. 

I’ve found that spending a little bit more on some things has a huge benefit; the key is knowing what to buy and what you get out of it in the long run. 

Here are the things I recommend spending a little more on when you are ready 

  • Food processor
  • Blender
  • Cast iron pan
  • Slow cooker

A quick reminder I’m based in New Zealand, so the products I specifically recommend are available here, if you live in the northern hemisphere you will have different products available.

Food processor 

Best investment ever

For me investing in a good quality food processor was the best investment I have made in the kitchen. A good food processor will have multiple attachments that will cut down the time and effort significantly. If I used my processor for nothing but grating Cauliflower for Cauliflower rice then the processor would have paid for itself in 2 months (trust me band-aids are expensive). 

Before buying a food processor, it would take an hour to cut up then grate one Cauliflower (and at least one grated knuckle). Now I can cut up and grate 3 cauliflowers in 20 minutes, and it is no longer seasoned with human skin. 

Other uses

That is just one of the things I use my food processor for, consider other uses 

  • Ice cream
  • Seed or nut butter
  • Shredding vegetables
  • Grating vegetables
  • Making cake batters
  • Making mousse
  • Mincing meat
  • Slicing vegetables

What I can personally recommend is the Kenwood multi pro unit, this is the model that I bought and can say it is a great all-rounder. It is a little bit more than some of the other models on the market. What I can say is that you should look for a processor that meets your needs, suits your budget and will be an excellent investment in your kitchen. 

Here are a few general things to consider when looking for a food processor 

Power 

Look for a processor that has a high watt motor, at a minimum you want a 500w motor, any lower than that and it will likely struggle. When you look at the motor size, also take a look at the speed settings, the more settings, the longer your machine will last as it doesn’t need to go flat out for everything it does. 

Warranty 

Most of the well-known brands offer a 12-month manufacturer’s warranty; I do recommend you look for a processor that has one. 

Bowl size 

This is a critical thing to consider when shopping for a processor if you want to make cauliflower rice you need a bowl with a large capacity, believe me, it is not fun having to stop grating and empty the bowl when you are only halfway through a cauliflower. I would recommend that you look for something that has a bowl with a 1 litre capacity as a minimum. 

Attachments 

I could say that the best idea is to look for a processor that has as many as possible, the truth is that this isn’t the best approach. I think a better way is to figure out what you want the processor to do and what functionality is essential for you. To get the best bang for your buck, I would recommend that you look for a processor that has a minimum of a processing blade, shredding discs and slicing discs. If additional attachments are on your wish list, you can find processors with attachments such as 

  • Citrus press
  • Juicing Attachment
  • Dough blade
  • Chopping blade
  • Crinkle cutting disc
  • French fry cutting disc
  • Dicing kit
  • Egg whip
  • Mini-mill
  • Blender jug

Are you looking for the best food processor in the US? If so check out https://www.reviews.com/food-processor/ 

Blender 

Very much like the investment in a food processor, I made sure I bought the best blender I could afford. A blender may not be as versatile a piece of kit as a food processor, but I believe in having the right tool for the job. In the case of my blender I actually saved some money because I bought a food processor and blender combo, it was a great deal, I got one base that the blender and processor fit onto. 

Do you need both?

You may ask yourself why you need a blender when you have a food processor, trust me you do. A blender is a much better tool when you are making sauces, smoothies, or soups than a food processor is. Once you start making your own mayonnaise, hollandaise, and tomato sauce, you will want to have a good quality blender to make your life easy. 

As with buying a food processor, you want to be sure to look for the right qualities including a good size motor with multiple speed settings, a manufacturer warranty, and a jug that will hold at least 1 litre. 

Cast iron pan 

I’ll be honest here, cast iron pans are not the easiest option, they take a little bit of care and take some getting used to when you start cooking with them. That being said when you find your feet with cast iron you never want a non-stick frying pan again. 

Facts not fiction

Let’s get a few things clear about cast iron 

  • It is not difficult to look after you just need to know the basics for looking after cast iron
  • It needs to be seasoned when you get a cast iron pan you need to season it, even the pre-seasoned cast iron pans need to be seasoned
  • Re-season every time you use the pan when you have rinsed the pan out re-season.
  • Use it a lot the more you use the pan, the better the pan will get
  • Don’t let it stay wet once you have cleaned the pan dry it off and re-season it straight away, wet pans rust no matter how good your seasoning is

Follow these simple rules are a cast iron pan will be a perfect piece of kit for your kitchen. 

Budget

When it comes to cast iron pans, you are going to spend a fair amount of money, there are a few brands available with prices ranging from $40 to $200, and the quality of pan differs from brand to brand. 

Here are some of the things to consider when looking for a cast iron pan. 

The weight of the pan will have a huge impact on your experience with cast iron. Generally, the heavier pans tend to hold heat more, but you want something you can hold in one hand without feeling like it’s a workout. 

How it feels in your hand it’s important when you get a pan that you can lift. You also want something that has a user-friendly handle, when you look at the handle you should check if it is heat resistant or has a place suitable to use a potholder, some pans have two handles to make it easier. 

Just because it is expensive doesn’t mean it’s good- don’t use price as the real guide, cheaper doesn’t always mean less efficient, do your homework on the brands available and knowing what you want the pan for. 

Slow cooker 

I love my slow cooker, it is a lifesaver when it comes to dinner during the week, I love the simplicity of taking food out of the freezer, putting in the slow cooker, turning it on, and coming home to a meal that is ready to eat. You don’t need to invest a heap in a slow cooker, there are a lot of good quality ones out there. 

What to look for

When shopping for a slow cooker, these are some of the things to consider 

How is the bowl heated 

Different slow cookers have a different configuration for the heating elements, look for a slow cooker that has heating elements that come up around the side of the bowl, this will help with even cooking. 

What is the bowl made of 

There are a few different materials that bowls are made of including ceramic, porcelain and metal, you want a bowl that is easy to remove and clean. Don’t buy a cooker that has a bowl that is fused to the heating unit. If you can get a metal or ceramic bowl as they are durable and will conduct heat very well. 

What is the lid made of 

We could discuss the options, but the truth is a glass top is the best material for the lid of a slow cooker. It allows you to look inside the bowl without having to remove the lid, it is easy to clean, and durable, the same cannot be said about plastic covers. 

What shape is best 

There are three main shapes available; oval, round and square. What you want to cook in your slow cooker will help make the decision of which shape to buy, chickens and roasts will do better in an oval or square than in a round pot. 

What is the bowl capacity 

There are a variety of bowl sizes out there you can get a slow cook that will hold 1 litre of food all the way up to 10 litres, which is best will depend on how many people you are cooking for, the more people, the bigger capacity you need. I would recommend that you look for something that is big enough to hold a chicken; you will feel the benefits of cook once eat twice. 

What buttons does it have 

There is a large range of options when it comes to buttons and functions on slow cookers. These include the timers, heat setting, and warming settings. Different brands have various options, so really it’s all about what functions you think would be useful to you. Most slow cookers come with the settings of off/on/low/high as a standard. Some come with a timer that lets you programme or set the time you want the cooker to be on for at one of the standard heat settings. A timer is a great option if you are not likely to be home exactly 8 hours after you put it on, it is an excellent way to prevent mushy vegetable and overdone meat issues. 

Let me know in the comments what items you think everyone should invest in for the kitchen


Lemon and garlic crusted salmon

Simple meals don’t have to be boring

I have been on a mission this year to make simple but tasty meals. The aim was to create recipes that can be prepared and cooked quickly on a busy weeknight.

We all struggle to make healthy and tasty meals while keeping on top of everything else in life.

This recipe is healthy, delicious and easy to make; you can cook on a single tray in the oven. The preparation takes no more than 20 minutes, that is all of the slicing, dicing and mixing.

Each meal is portioned to feed four adults.

Two for one

A recent trip to visit my mother in law (Hi Sue) presented me with a two for one opportunity. We have been eating lemons from the trees up North for a while now. The lemons are coming to an end now; I wanted to use them for something other than lemon curd. Sue loves salmon (as do most of us), so we wanted to give her a little treat why not use the last of the lemons with some salmon steaks?

More goodies

I could have done the boring thing and just sliced the lemon and baked them together, but I wanted to try something new.

A quick rummage around the garden and pantry scored some fresh parsley and garlic. A quick smash together with some butter gave me a thick paste, a generous spread of the paste over each salmon steak, and the salmon was ready for the oven.

Lemon garlic herb crusted salmon recipe

Ingredients

  • 4 Salmon fillets
  • 1 tbsp. dill
  • 1 tbsp. chives
  • 1 tbsp. basil
  • 1 garlic clove
  • Zest of a lemon
  • Salt and pepper
  • 85g Butter

Instructions

Line a baking tray with some baking paper or a silicone liner; and place the salmon fillets on the tray.

Take the remaining ingredients and place them in a small saucepan or the microwave safe bowl.

Gently heat the ingredients in the saucepan over a low heat, stir everything together as the butter melts.

Or melt the butter in the microwave and add the herbs, lemon and garlic to the butter.

When the herb butter is melted, mix it all together.

Spread the herb butter over the top of each fillet evenly.

Bake the salmon at 200 degrees C/ 400 degrees F for 10 to 20 minutes, this will depend on the size of the fillets.

Serve with a fresh salad or greens.

Lemon garlic herb crusted salmon

  • Servings: 4
  • Rating: ★★★★★
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This simple meal doesn't take long to make and is a great way to make use of seasonal lemons



Credit: Cath @ easycleaneats

Ingredients

  • 4 Salmon fillets
  • 1 tbsp. dill
  • 1 tbsp. chives
  • 1 tbsp. basil
  • 1 garlic clove
  • Zest of a lemon
  • Salt and pepper
  • 85g Butter

Directions

  1. Line a baking tray with some baking paper or a silicone liner.  and place the salmon fillets on the tray.
  2. Take the remaining ingredients and place them in a small saucepan or the microwave safe bowl.
  3. Gently heat the ingredients in the saucepan over a low heat, stir everything together as the butter melts.
  4. Or melt the butter in the microwave and add the herbs, lemon and garlic to the butter.
  5. When the herb butter is melted, mix it all together.
  6. Spread the herb butter over the top of each fillet evenly.
  7. Bake the salmon at 200 degrees C/ 400 degrees F for 10 to 20 minutes, this will depend on the size of the fillets.
  8. Serve with a fresh salad or greens.

Nutrition

Per Serving: 402 calories; 31 g fat; 4 g carbohydrates; 29 g protein

Equipment

  • Zester 
  • Bowl
  • Fork
  • Knife
  • Chopping board
  • Baking tray
  • Baking paper or a silicone liner
  • Spoon
  • Measuring spoons

Nutritional disclaimer

Nutrition information is provided as an estimate based on the ingredients used and available in my area (New Zealand). The nutritional information is here to help you understand the recipe; I use MyFitnessPal to generate my estimates. For more accurate nutritional information, please use a nutritional calculator with the ingredients in your area.


Magel

Mag what now? 

Don’t worry, I did not have a brain fart or spell that wrong; I meant to put magel. What the hell is a magel? You may be asking yourself. The easy answer is it is a bagel made out of meat, hence m-agel.

Meat with everything 

I know it is an out-there idea, but the magel works when you don’t have grains as part of your diet and really want something to spread cream cheese on for breakfast. I know that there is no real alternative or replacement for bread in life, but I think that replacing bread products with cauliflower, coconut or meat may be the future. 

I have tried several ways to create a bagel without grains and have to be honest; it has never ended well. There have been a few times I feared for my teeth and even more times that my taste buds have flat out said no. 

I can’t say that the magel is the best replacement for the traditional bagel, but it is probably my favourite so far. If that changes, I will keep you posted. 

This meaty treat is a great and filling way to start your day. The high protein breakfast is perfect for a lazy. 

Sunday morning when you want something other than pancakes.  

I like to add some chipotle powder to mine to give them a little kick if you don’t like spice or have kids that don’t like it you can leave it out. I love to pair my magel with a generous helping of cream cheese and fried egg with a perfectly runny yolk. 

Magel recipe 

Ingredients 

  • 1/2 onion finely diced 
  • 1 tbsp. butter 
  • 500g minced pork 
  • 2eggs 
  • 2 tbsp. Tomato sauce 
  • 1 tsp. Paprika 
  • 1 tsp. Salt 
  • 1/2 tsp. Ground pepper 
  • 1 tsp. chipotle powder 

Preheat the oven to 180 degrees c/ 350 degrees f.  

Line a baking tray with baking paper or a silicone liner . 

In a frying pan sauté the onions over medium heat with some butter until they become translucent.  

Remove the onions from the pan and allow them to cool before adding them to the meat. 

Mix together all the ingredients in a large bowl; make sure all the ingredients are evenly distributed.  

Divide the meat into 6 portions, roll into balls then flatten down on the baking dish then create a hole in the centre to form the magel. 

Bake for 40 minutes or until the meat is fully cooked. 

Allow the magels to cool slightly before slicing in half. 

Serve with cream cheese, fried eggs and bacon. 

Magel

  • Servings: 6
  • Rating: ★★★★★
  • Print

What the hell is a magel? you may be asking yourself. Easy answer it is a bagel made out of meat, hence m-agel.



Credit: Cath @ easycleaneats

Ingredients

  • 1/2 onion finely diced
  • 1 tbsp. butter
  • 500g minced pork
  • 2eggs
  • 2 tbsp. Tomato sauce
  • 1 tsp. Paprika
  • 1 tsp. Salt
  • 1/2 tsp. Ground pepper
  • 1 tsp. chipotle powder

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees c/ 350 degrees f.
  2. Line a baking tray with baking paper or a silicone liner .
  3. In a frying pan sauté the onions over medium heat with some butter until they become translucent.
  4. Remove the onions from the pan and allow them to cool before adding them to the meat.
  5. Mix together all the ingredients in a large bowl; make sure all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
  6. Divide the meat into 6 portions, roll into balls then flatten down on the baking dish then create a hole in the centre to form the magel.
  7. Bake for 40 minutes or until the meat is fully cooked.
  8. Allow the magels to cool slightly before slicing in half.Allow the magels to cool slightly before slicing in half.
  9. Serve with cream cheese, fried eggs and bacon.

Nutrition

Per Serving: 150 calories; 7.6 g fat; 0.7 g carbohydrates; 19.7 g protein

Equipment

  • Baking tray
  • Baking paper or a silicone liner
  • Frying pan
  • Spatula
  • Mixing bowl
  • Measuring cup
  • Measuring spoons
  • Scales 

Nutritional disclaimer

Nutrition information is provided as an estimate based on the ingredients used and available in my area (New Zealand). The nutritional information is here to help you understand the recipe; I use MyFitnessPal to generate my estimates. For more accurate nutritional information, please use a nutritional calculator with the ingredients in your area.


One tray Hawaiian chicken

Simple meals don’t have to be boring  

I have been on a mission to make simple and tasty meals. I aim to create recipes that can be prepared and cooked quickly on a busy weeknight. We all struggle to make healthy and delicious meals while keeping on top of everything else in life. So this recipe is designed to be healthy, delicious and easy to make. You can cook this meal on a single tray in the oven. The preparation takes no more than 20 minutes and is portioned to feed four adults.  

Sweet and sour on one plate

There is something irresistible about chicken and pineapple; they go so well together. Add in the sweetness of some peppers, and I am sold. I’ll be honest this one-tray meal was born from a pantry cleanout. I found a tin of pineapple that was soon to go out of date; in an effort to save on food waste, I thought of a way to make the most of the pineapple slices, other than eating them from the tin, of course.

One tray Hawaiian chicken recipe

Ingredients 

  • 500g chicken breast, cubed
  • 2 cups pineapple chunks
  • 1 red pepper, cubed
  • 1 green pepper, cubed
  • 1 sweet potato, cubed
  • 1 tbsp. Sesame seed oil
  • 1 tbsp. Coconut oil
  • 1 tbsp. Coconut sugar
  • 1 tbsp. Coconut flakes
  • 1 tbsp. Lime juice

Instructions 

Preheat the oven to 200 degrees C/ 400 degrees F.

Line a baking tray with baking paper or a silicone liner.

Mix the chicken, peppers, sweet potatoes and pineapple in a bowl with the oils and sugar.

Spread out on the baking tray and bake for 15 minutes.

Turn the vegetables and chicken and bake for another 10 minutes.

Sprinkle the lime juice and coconut flakes over the tray before serving.

“One

  • Rating: ★★★★
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“An



Credit: Cath @ easycleaneats 

Ingredients

–500g chicken breast, cubed –2 cups pineapple chunks –1 red pepper, cubed –1 green pepper, cubed –1 sweet potato, cubed –1 tbsp. Sesame seed oil –1 tbsp. Coconut oil –1 tbsp. Coconut sugar –1 tbsp. Coconut flakes –1 tbsp. Lime juice

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees C/ 400 degrees F.
  2. Line a baking tray with baking paper or a silicone liner.
  3. Mix the chicken, peppers, sweet potatoes and pineapple in a bowl with the oils and sugar.
  4. Spread out on the baking tray and bake for 15 minutes.
  5. Turn the vegetables and chicken and bake for another 10 minutes.
  6. Sprinkle the lime juice and coconut flakes over the tray before serving.

Nutrition

Per Serving: 322 calories; 13g fat; 26g carbohydrates; 26g protein

Equipment

  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Kitchen scale
  • Mixing bowl
  • Baking sheet
  • Baking paper or silicone liner

Nutritional disclaimer

Nutrition information is provided as an estimate based on the ingredients used and available in my area (New Zealand). The nutritional information is here to help you understand the recipe; I use MyFitnessPal to generate my estimates. For more accurate nutritional information, please use a nutritional calculator with the ingredients in your area.


Maple sausage roast

Simple meals don’t have to be boring  

I have been on a mission to make simple and tasty meals. I aim to create recipes that can be prepared and cooked quickly on a busy weeknight. We all struggle to make healthy and delicious meals while keeping on top of everything else in life. So this recipe is designed to be healthy, delicious and easy to make. You can cook this meal on a single tray in the oven. The preparation takes no more than 20 minutes and is portioned to feed four adults.  

Updating as we go

Early in 2021, I made the move to relocate and update my website; I’ve been making changes and improving all of the things as I go. This recipe is one of the many things I’ve tried to improve. This recipe is one of the first one-tray meals I came up with back in 2015. It has remained a regular meal that I crack out when we get some good quality sausages from Pokeno.

One tray of awesomeness

This recipe is one of the very first one-tray meals I made back when we started eating clean. I was big on throwing dinner in the slower cooker before heading off for a busy day at work, but it was always nice to have something a bit different on the weekends. The combination of tasty sausages and fresh vegetables always won on a Saturday afternoon after a day with the kids. We don’t spend our weekends running around playgrounds with the kids, but we still love a one-tray maple sausage roast.

Maple sausage roast

Ingredients

  • 8 pork sausages cut into 3rds
  • 1 red onion cut into 8th
  • 2 red apples cut into chunks
  • 2 red peppers cut into chunks
  • 2 courgettes cut into chunks
  • 2 sweet potatoes cut into chunks
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 tbsp. thyme
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup

Instructions

Preheat oven to 210 °C/ 410 °F. 

Line a roasting tray with baking paper or a silicone liner.

In the roasting tray, mix together all ingredients but keep the maple syrup to one side. 

Bake for 20 minutes.

Remove the roasting tray from the oven.

Stir everything up and pour the maple syrup on top of everything.

Bake for another 10 minutes.

If your sausages are thick, you may need to cook them longer.

  • Rating: ★★★★★
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“A



Credit: Cath @ easycleaneats 

Ingredients

  • 8 pork sausages cut into 3rds
  • 1 red onion cut into 8th
  • 2 red apples cut into chunks
  • 2 red peppers cut into chunks
  • 2 courgettes cut into chunks
  • 2 sweet potatoes cut into chunks
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 tbsp. thyme
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 210 °C/ 410 °F. 
  2. Line a roasting tray with baking paper or a silicone liner.
  3. In the roasting tray, mix together all ingredients but keep the maple syrup to one side. 
  4. Bake for 20 minutes.
  5. Remove the roasting tray from the oven.
  6. Stir everything up and pour the maple syrup on top of everything.
  7. Bake for another 10 minutes.
  8. If your sausages are thick, you may need to cook them longer.

Nutrition

Per Serving: 292 calories; 13g fat; 26g carbohydrates; 18g protein

Equipment 

  • Chopping board
  • Knife
  • Baking tray
  • Baking paper or silicone liner
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Tongs
  • Spatula 

Nutritional disclaimer

Nutrition information is provided as an estimate based on the ingredients used and available in my area (New Zealand). The nutritional information is here to help you understand the recipe; I use MyFitnessPal to generate my estimates. For more accurate nutritional information, please use a nutritional calculator with the ingredients in your area.


How to poach the perfect egg

Basic kitchen skills how to poach an egg

I don’t know about you, but I’m always looking to learn new skills that make life easy in the kitchen. Sharing is caring so I’m sharing my little tips, tricks and hacks with you.

When you talk about making poached eggs lots of people think poaching eggs is impossible to get right; some count it in the same category as higher-level mathematics.
I can understand why most people believe that poached eggs are difficult, there are so many different methods out there, with vinegar, without, boiling water, simmering water and the whirlpool method, and it’s a little overwhelming. 

I’ve tried every method out there, and after lots of trials and plenty of error, I’ve found a way to get consistently good poached eggs. Most weekends I have to poach 6 eggs at the same time, and they all need to have a solid white and runny yolk. 

I’ve found that the secret to success is a frying pan here is the method is how I get good poached eggs every time. 

Here is what you need 

  • Frying pan 
  • Water 
  • Slotted Spoon 
  • Eggs

What to do

Take large frying pan.

Take a large frying pan.
Take a large frying pan.

Fill the frying pan with about 3cm of water, this will depend on the depth of your pan; make sure there is space for the eggs. 

Fill the frying pan with about 3cm of water, this will depend on the depth of your pan; make sure there is space for the eggs. 
Fill the frying pan with about 3cm of water, this will depend on the depth of your pan; make sure there is space for the eggs. 

Bring the water to the boil 

Bring the water to the boil 
Bring the water to the boil 

Once the water is at a rolling boil, turn off the heat. 

Once the water is at a rolling boil, turn off the heat. 
Once the water is at a rolling boil, turn off the heat. 

Crack the egg and drop it into the water from just above the surface of the water. 

Crack the egg and drop it into the water from just above the surface of the water. 
Crack the egg and drop it into the water from just above the surface of the water. 

If you have trouble keeping the egg intact, crack the egg into a small bowl or ramekin and use that to pour the egg into the water. 

Crack all the eggs you want into the water.
Crack all the eggs you want into the water.

Once you have your eggs in the water, leave them alone until the white is set. 

Once you have your eggs in the water, leave them alone until the white is set. 
Once you have your eggs in the water, leave them alone until the white is set. 

Use the slotted spoon to remove the egg from the water 

Use the slotted spoon to remove the egg from the water 
Use the slotted spoon to remove the egg from the water 

Serve 

As simple as that 

As simple as that 
As simple as that 

What to do

Fill the frying pan with about 3cm of water, this will depend on the depth of your pan; make sure there is space for the eggs. 

Bring the water to the boil 

Once the water is at a rolling boil, turn off the heat. 

Crack the egg and drop it into the water from just above the surface of the water. 

If you have trouble keeping the egg intact, crack the egg into a small bowl or ramekin and use that to pour the egg into the water. 

Once you have your eggs in the water, leave them alone until the white is set. 

Use the slotted spoon to remove the egg from the water 

Serve 

As simple as that