Coconut meatballs

Something different

Sweet and savoury balls of awesome. If you have come this far, you obviously want some new flavour combinations to try. Coconut and pineapple go well together. We all know the Pina colada principle applies. We also know pineapple and pork go well together. Hawaiian Pizza is a firm favourite around here. Enter some creative madness (or genius) why not combine all three flavours?

Pork, pineapple and coconut

Genius doesn’t always mean perfect. This recipe was no exception. Knowing that these flavours would work didn’t make the recipe easy to develop. As always eating your mistakes helps to refine the recipe but this one felt the envy genius might have been madness. After. Many tries (6 in total) I finally got it right.

Coconut meatballs recipe

Coconut meatball ingredients

Ingredients

  • 1 cup toasted coconut threads
  • 1 tsp. cayenne pepper
  • 1 cup crushed pineapple
  • 2 tsp. coconut aminos
  • 1 1/2 tsp. ginger 
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1/2 tsp. chilli
  • 4 spring onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1 kg minced pork
Coconut meatballs

Coconut meatballs

  • Servings: 10
  • Rating: ★★★★★
  • Print

“Sweet



Credit: Cath @ easycleaneats

Ingredients

  • 1 cup toasted coconut threads
  • 1 tsp. cayenne pepper
  • 1 cup crushed pineapple
  • 2 tsp. coconut aminos
  • 1 1/2 tsp. ginger 
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1/2 tsp. chilli
  • 4 spring onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1 kg minced pork

Directions

  1. Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl until evenly mixed.
  2. Roll the meat into small balls about the equivalent of one heaped teaspoon per ball.
  3. Place the balls on a baking tray lined with baking paper or a silicone liner.
  4. Bake in a preheated oven at 180 degrees C/ 350 degrees F for 30 minutes until the balls are golden all over.

Nutrition

Per Serving: 243 calories; 16 g fat; 5 g carbohydrates; 21 g protein

Equipment

  • Bowl
  • Baking tray
  • Baking paper or a silicone liner
  • Tongs
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Scales
  • Knife
  • Chopping board

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.


BLT salad in a jar

Easy meals are what I live for, this salad one of the easiest things to make and so tasty it is ridiculous.

A classic with a spin

Bacon, lettuce and tomato in a jar with a simple dressing. I love this salad as a take to work lunch option. On the rare occasion that we have bacon leftover from breakfast this is what I use it for. Bonus points for a plastic free meal when you use a big glass jar. 

BLT salad in a jar recipe

Ingredients

BLT salad in a jar ingredients
  • 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 2 tomatoes, diced
  • 2 cups cos lettuce
  • 2 cups iceberg lettuce
  • 1/4 cup easy mayo
  • 2 tbsp. milk
  • 2 tbsp. sour cream
  • Salt and pepper
Make the dressing and put some at the bottom of the jar
Make the dressing and put some in the bottom of the jar
Add the bacon to the jar
Add the bacon to the jar
Add the tomato to the jar
Next add the tomato
Finally add the lettuce to the jar
Finally add the lettuce to the jar
Shake and serve salad.
Salad ready for a shake and serve

BLT salad in a jar 

  • Servings: 2
  • Rating: ★★★★★
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This easy salad is a great lunchtime and simple to make ahead



Credit: Cath @ easycleaneats

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Instructions 
  2. In the bottom of a jar mix together the mayo, milk, sour cream, salt and pepper.
  3. Add the bacon to the jar followed by the spring onions, tomatoes, iceberg lettuce, and then the cos lettuce.

Nutrition

Per Serving: 239 calories; 20 g fat; 11 g carbohydrates; 8 g protein

Equipment

  • Mason jar
  • Fork or whisk
  • Knife
  • Chopping board
  • Measuring cups
  • 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.


Nut-free pesto

Nut free pesto

Pesto that won’t kill me

Stupid nut allergies have prevented me from trying a number of foods over the years that look, smell and no doubt taste amazing. Pesto was one of the things I had wanted to try for years, but as it contains pine nuts it’s been a no go. 

I had a moment of genius (or madness, I can never really tell the difference) and figured that I could replace the pine nuts with something else, after a little trial and error I found a combination that worked.

The verdict 

My taste tester assures me that the flavours are in the same balance as normal pesto made with nuts the only difference is the texture of the sunflower seeds, I suppose I have to take his word for it because I don’t fancy the hospital trip that I would get if I checked.

If you don’t have to avoid nuts sub the sunflower seeds for the same amount of pine nuts.

Nut-free pesto recipe

Ingredients

  • 1/2 garlic clove, chopped
  • 3 handfuls fresh basil leaves, picked and chopped
  • 1 handful sunflower seeds, very lightly toasted
  • 1 handful Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
  • 3 tbsp. olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Nut-free pesto

  • Servings: 10
  • Rating: ★★★★★
  • Print

This nut-free pesto is a great alternative for anyone that has to stay away from tree nuts.



Credit: Cath @ easycleaneats

Ingredients

  • 1/2 garlic clove, chopped
  • 3 handfuls fresh basil leaves, picked and chopped
  • 1 handful sunflower seeds, very lightly toasted
  • 1 handful Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
  • 3 tbsp. olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

  1. Pound the garlic and the basil leaves in a pestle and mortar, or pulse in a food processor.
  2. Add the sunflower seeds to the mixture and pound or pulse again.
  3. Add the parmesan and mix with a spoon or do a quick pulse again.
  4. Stir gently and add olive oil or put the food processor on its lowest setting and pour in the oil.
  5. Add a little oil at a time so you don’t drown everything else.
  6. Season to taste.
  7. Add the remaining cheese and oil to your taste and preferred consistency.
  8. The finished pesto should look shiny and a little creamy. The finished pesto should look shiny and a little creamy.

Nutrition

Per Serving: 123 calories; 10.1 g fat; 2.1 g carbohydrates; 6.2 g protein

Equipment

  • Food processor
  • Spatula 
  • 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.


Sausage and pepper salad

Some advantages to going out of town

My partner in crime has to travel around a bit as part of his job. Usually, it’s a few trips a year and the odd day trip down to Hamilton thrown in to make life interesting.  I don’t like it when he heads out of town, I kind of like having him around, so it sucks when he goes away. The exception to this is when he goes to Hamilton. Trips south of Auckland usually come with a pit stop at Pokeno bacon.

What is Pokeno bacon?

Pokeno Bacon is the place to go for the best sausages and bacon in New Zealand, hands down.  Their products are made using fresh locally-sourced pork. This means you get the best quality product and they support the local community. 

If you find yourself driving into Auckland from the south, you will come across the Mercer service station. Even if you don’t need fuel or a leg stretch you should stop off and head into the Pokeno Bacon Mercer cafe. 

Pokeno Bacon’s pork products taste like childhood. You can taste the love and care in the bacon and sausages. 

Not pig arseholes and sawdust

I try not to buy big brand sausages, after reading the ingredients and finding wood pulp in some I don’t trust them anymore. Pokeno Bacon’s sausages are different. Their sausages are made with pork and spices and believe me you can taste the difference.  Jaime brings homes every time he makes a pit stop at Pokeno Bacon.  I am a big fan of the Texan Chilli sausages and the Chorizo Sausages but love the Pork & Bacon Sausages.  This recipe came about after Jay made a stop at Mercer. I wanted to make the most of the Pork & Bacon Sausages that Jay brought home along with some red peppers that I had roasted the day before.  This salad is simple to make and can be made using hot or cold sausages so find some Pokeno Bacon sausages and give it a go.

Sausage and pepper salad recipe

Sausage and pepper salad ingredients
Sausage and pepper salad ingredients

Ingredients

  • 4 pork sausages, cooked and sliced
  • 1 red pepper, roasted and sliced
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 2 tsp fresh oregano, chopped
  • 1 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
  • salt & pepper
  • 4 cup cos lettuce
Mix together the ingredients for the dressing
Mix together the ingredients for the dressing
Build the salad starting with the lettuce.
Build the salad starting with the lettuce.
Followed by the peppers
Followed by the peppers
Add the sausages and dressing
Add the sausages and dressing
Serve
Serve

Sausage and pepper salad

  • Servings: 4
  • Rating: ★★★★★
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A simple and tasty salad to make use of those tasty bangers



Credit: Cath @ easycleaneats

Ingredients

  • 4 pork sausages, cooked and sliced
  • 1 red pepper, roasted and sliced
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 2 tsp. fresh oregano, chopped
  • 1 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
  • salt and pepper
  • 4 cup cos lettuce

Directions

  1. In a bowl whisk together the garlic, oregano, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper.
  2. Build the salad on a plate, start with the cos, followed by the pepper slices, sausages and then drizzle the dressing over the top.

Nutrition

Per Serving: 345 calories; 26 g fat; 10 g carbohydrates; 17 g protein

Equipment

  • Knife
  • Chopping board
  • Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Plate/Salad bowl
  • 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.


Courgette tots

Once upon a time

Not so long ago there was a little boy that had a very limited diet. If was not a white carbohydrate or a sausage he wasn’t interested. The only vegetable he would eat was a potato. Fast forward a few years and that same boy now has a diet that includes carrots, peas, broccoli, kale and even the odd bit of lettuce. It was not an easy journey from ‘only potato’ to ‘can I try that?’. It took a great deal of patience, honesty and building trust. 

Courgette tots

Broccoli and beyond

Broccoli tots were our first real win on the vegetable front. I don’t know what it was that made them so successful with the little man but every time I made them he (and everyone else) cleared them out. They have been requested and enjoyed on a regular basis since then. 

Eat with the seasons

We try to eat with the seasons as much as possible, at the moment we have an abundance of courgettes. There is only so much courgette ravioli a girl can make before losing her mind, so I decided to try making a new variation of broccoli tots. 

This recipe kills two birds new veg for the kids to try out and Jaime not having to find a new girlfriend because of ravioli. This recipe is just the same as the original broccoli tots, it is only the preparation of the courgette is the key difference. The high water content in courgettes means that you have to take the extra step of removing the excess liquid, if not you have some soggy tots. 

Courgette tots recipe

Courgette tots ingredients
Courgette tots ingredients

Ingredients

  • 1 cup courgette, grated
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 onion, minced
  • 1/4 cup cheddar cheese, grated
  • 2 tbsp. seasoned coconut flour salt and black pepper to taste
In a medium bowl, combine all of the ingredients and season with salt and pepper to taste.
In a medium bowl, combine all of the ingredients and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Take two teaspoons and create a Quenelle, scoop up a mound of the mixture,
Take two teaspoons and create a Quenelle, scoop up a mound of the mixture,
Pass the mixture from one spoon to the other gently smoothing into an oval shape.
Pass the mixture from one spoon to the other gently smoothing into an oval shape.
Pass the mixture from one spoon to the other gently smoothing into an oval shape.
Pass the mixture from one spoon to the other gently smoothing into an oval shape.
Place on the baking tray
Place on the baking tray
Bake for 16-18 minutes, turning halfway through cooking until golden.
Bake for 16-18 minutes, turning halfway through cooking until golden.
Serve hot
Serve hot

Courgette tots

  • Servings: 8
  • Rating: ★★★★★
  • Print

These tots last seconds on the plate; truth be told they are a huge hit with everyone. They are a little messy and can take some time to make, but they are worth the effort.



Credit: Cath @ easycleaneats

Ingredients

  • 1 cup courgette, grated
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 onion, minced
  • 1/4 cup cheddar cheese, grated
  • 2 tbsp. seasoned coconut flour
  • salt and black pepper to taste

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. Grate the courgette and press it to remove any excess liquid, I like to use a clean cotton dishtowel.
  4. In a medium bowl, combine all of the ingredients and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. There are two ways to make the tots
  6. 1. take a tablespoon, get a heaped spoon of the mixture, and roll it into an oval.
  7. 2. take two teaspoons and create a Quenelle, scoop up a mound of the mixture, pass the mixture from one spoon to the other gently smoothing into an oval shape.
  8. Place on the baking tray and bake for 16-18 minutes, turning halfway through cooking until golden.Place on the baking tray and bake for 16-18 minutes, turning halfway through cooking until golden.

Nutrition

Per Serving: 38 calories; 2 g fat; 2 g carbohydrates; 2 g protein

Equipment

  • Baking tray
  • Baking paper or a silicone liner
  • Grater
  • Kitchen towel
  • Mixing bowl
  • Tablespoons 
  • Tongs 

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.


Small vanilla cupcakes with vanilla icing

Vanilla cupcakes

Something sweet 

I realised recently that I don’t post a lot of sweet treats so thought I would give your something sweet this week. This is my grain-free vanilla cupcakes with sugar-free frosting. The cake mix is soft and airy which gives these cupcakes a real cake texture and taste without any sugar or grains.

Making it feel like real cake 

I often find that making cakes taste like cakes when you aren’t using standard cake ingredients is difficult. The light and fluffy texture are not easy to achieve unless you know that eggs hold the key. It has taken me a while to get the technique right, but I think I have it. Egg whites whisked to stiff peaks that are folded into a cake batter make grain free cakes light, fluffy and airy. You would swear you were biting into a sponge cake. 

Coconut flour 

Jaime has come to a decision that he doesn’t like coconut flour; he doesn’t like cookies and cakes baked with coconut flour. I didn’t have the heart to tell him that the tray of cupcakes he ate in one afternoon was made from coconut flour, I didn’t want to ruin his afternoon. When you bake with coconut flour, it is a good idea to remember that not all coconut flour is made equally. Sometimes coconut flour can be very dry, it will soak up all the liquid in your recipe and leave you with something difficult to eat. When I bake cakes with a new bag or brand of coconut flour, I like to leave the batter to hang out for 10 minutes. This is to make sure that the flour doesn’t steal all the moisture in my cake. If the flour is super thirsty, you can add a little more liquid and save the cake before you bake. 

Vanilla cupcakes recipe

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup coconut flour
  • 1/8 tsp. salt
  • 1/8 tsp. baking soda
  • 3 eggs
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil
  • 2 tbsp. honey
  • 1 tbsp. vanilla bean paste

Vanilla cupcakes

  • Servings: 12
  • Rating: ★★★★★
  • Print

The cake mix is soft and airy which gives these cupcakes a real cake texture and taste without any sugar or grains.



Credit: Cath @ easycleaneats

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup coconut flour
  • 1/8 tsp. salt
  • 1/8 tsp. baking soda
  • 3 eggs
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil
  • 2 tbsp. honey
  • 1 tbsp. vanilla bean paste

Directions

  1. Instructions
  2. Separate the egg whites and yolks. 
  3. Put the egg whites in a clean mixing bowl and whisk until they are stiff peaks. 
  4. Set the egg whites to one side
  5. Put the remaining ingredients into a food processor and blend together to create a smooth batter.
  6. Gently fold the egg whites into the batter.
  7. Line a 12- cup muffin pan with cupcake wrappers, the number of cakes you get will depend on how large your cake pan is
  8. Pour the batter into the cupcake wrappers, don’t overfill the cupcake wrappersPour the batter into the cupcake wrappers, don’t overfill the cupcake wrappers
  9. Bake at 180 degrees C/ 350 degrees F for 20 minutes
  10. Allow the cakes to cool completely before icing

Nutrition

Per Serving: 80 calories; 6 g fat; 5 g carbohydrates; 2 g protein

Equipment

  • Whisk
  • Bowl
  • Food processor
  • Muffin tin
  • Cupcake wrappers
  • Measuring cups
  • 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.


Waldorf salad

Easy make ahead salad 

It is a summer of salads!! The warm months mean lots of fresh veggies and endless possibilities for salad. Anyone that knows me knows I could eat salad for every meal, I love them, lots. Most of the time I stick with the simple mixture of protein, lettuce leaves, crunchy veg and a simple dressing. On occasion, I like to make something a little fancier. 

Classic Waldorf salad 

The original version of the Waldorf salad was made with apples, celery and mayonnaise. Later on, chopped walnuts were added to the dish and became integral. Every time I have seen Waldorf on a menu, it had walnuts included, thanks to my stupid nut allergy I have never had the pleasure of enjoying the salad. Until now. 

Switch it up 

Regular visitors here will know I can’t leave things alone, I have to mess around with recipes and switch out ingredients. The Waldorf salad was a prime candidate for me to mess with. First up was an alternative to walnuts. As with many recipes, I find that switching out nuts with sunflower seeds, this means you get all the crunch with no risk of death. Next up was bumping up the protein. Generally speaking, I have a high protein diet so having meat as part of my salad is essential. In this instance, I went with some cooked and cooled chicken. 

Meal prep winner 

This salad is one of my favourites for mixing up a big batch and portioning out for meals for the week. I like to make a double batch of the salad and keep it in the fridge ready for lunches, snacks and easy dinners when it is too hot to make a meal. 

Chicken Waldorf salad recipe

Ingredients 

Chicken Waldorf salad ingredients
Chicken Waldorf salad ingredients
  • 2 cups of cooked diced chicken 
  • 1 apple, diced 
  • 1 cup chopped celery 
  • 1 cup grapes, halved 
  • 1/2 cup chopped sunflower seeds 
  • 1/4 cup easy mayo
  • 2 tsp. lime juice 
  • 2 tsp. honey 
  • salt and pepper 
Chicken Waldorf salad
Chicken Waldorf salad
Chicken Waldorf salad

Chicken Waldorf salad

  • Servings: 8
  • Rating: ★★★★★
  • Print

A nut-free take on this classic salad



Credit: Cath @ easycleaneats

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of cooked diced chicken 
  • 1 apple, diced 
  • 1 cup chopped celery 
  • 1 cup grapes, halved 
  • 1/2 cup chopped sunflower seeds 
  • 1/4 cup easy mayo 
  • 2 tsp. lime juice 
  • 2 tsp. honey 
  • salt and pepper 

Directions

  1. In a bowl, combine chicken, apple, celery, and seeds. 
  2. In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise, lime juice, and honey. 
  3. Season to taste. 
  4. Spoon dressing over chicken salad and toss to coat. 

Nutrition

Per Serving: 262 calories; 10.6 g fat; 9.4 g carbohydrates; 11.4 g protein

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Spoon
  • Measuring cups
  • 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.


Broccoli pesto frittata

Something quick and easy, please

It is hot and sticky here in Auckland, the last thing I want to be doing in spending hours over a hot stove. This week’s recipe comes from the I don’t want to be in a hot kitchen collection but still want a home-cooked meal. This Broccoli Pesto Frittata is a quick and easy recipe that takes minutes to prepare and can be served hot or cold.

Broccoli pesto frittata

Leftovers are welcome

My fridge is a mish-mash of food at the minute, there are about four kinds of cheese, a range of cut meats, jars of sauces and cooked vegetables. Post-Christmas and New Year meals are generally an effort to empty the fridge as fast as possible. With three hungry mouths to feed I had a quick rummage around the fridge and cupboards. I had a stash of nut-free pesto and steamed broccoli in the fridge this week which was the inspiration for this recipe.

Broccoli pesto frittata recipe

Ingredients

Broccoli pesto frittata
  • 3 tbsp. nut free pesto
  • 2 tsp. butter 
  • 1 red onion, chopped
  • 4 cups broccoli, steamed and roughly chopped
  • 8 eggs
  • Salt and pepper

Broccoli pesto frittata

  • Servings: 8
  • Rating: ★★★★★
  • Print

This quick and easy frittata is a great way to use up late leftover pesto



Credit: Cath @ easycleaneats

Ingredients

  • 3 tbsp. nut free Pesto
  • 2 tsp. butter 
  • 1 red onion, chopped
  • 4 cups broccoli, steamed and roughly chopped
  • 8 eggs

Directions


1. Preheat the oven to 190 degrees C/375 degrees F. 
2. In an oven-safe pan or cast-iron skillet, heat the butter over medium heat.
3. Add the onion to the pan and cook for 10 minutes or until the onion is soft.
4. Add the broccoli to the onions and mix.
5. Beat 4 of the eggs and add them to the pan. 
6. Spread the 3 tablespoons of pesto on top of the eggs.
7. Beat the remaining eggs and pour them over the pesto.
8. Put the pan into the oven and bake for 20 minutes or until the eggs are browned on top.
9. Remove the pan from the oven and let the frittata cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
recipe-directions]

Nutrition

Per Serving: 128 calories; 9 g fat; 5 g carbohydrates; 8 g protein

Equipment

  • Cast-iron
  • Knife
  • Chopping board
  • Spatula
  • Spoon 
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk 

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.


Kombucha tea

Kombucha

I don’t profess to know the origins of Kombucha, there any many theories about who came up with it. To be honest, I don’t mind who invented it, I’m just interested in the benefits it offers.

So you may be asking yourself, what is Kombucha?

The basic answer is Kombucha is fermented tea, don’t worry; it is not as gross as it sounds. 

Kombucha

Here is the bro science explanation.

To make kombucha, you need sweetened black or green tea and a SCOBY. SCOBY short for symbiotic ‘colony’ of bacteria and yeast, is a jellyfish looking thing that you put in the tea. The bacteria and yeast munch on the sugar in the tea which causes the fermentation of the tea. It’s similar to making beer but with better health benefits. The sugar in the tea is there only to feed the SCOBY. Some commercial brands of Kombucha are high in sugar; this is usually to mask the sour taste of the finished Kombucha.

Many people claim Kombucha is a cure-all. I don’t really buy into these claims, what I do buy into is that Kombucha is full of probiotics and these are great for you.

Probiotics

We all know that antibiotics are important when you have an infection. They don’t just wipe out the bacteria that cause infections, they wipe out all of the good bacteria in your gut. We all have good bacteria in our gut, and it’s crucial for a healthy immune system. 

I have to say that Kombucha has done wonders for the immune systems in our house, even the kids slam down a glass. 

I will be honest, Kombucha is an acquired taste, but it’s a taste worth acquiring. It’s tart and fizzy, once you get past the smell which is far stronger than the taste you will be sold on it.

One major drawback of Kombucha is the cost when buying it; a litre can set you back as much as $15. If everyone in the family grabs a glass daily it quickly becomes very expensive.

Make your own

There is a much cheaper way to have kombucha, and that is by brewing your own, don’t worry it is not as complicated as you might think. The key to brewing your own is a good SCOBY and a starter. (you can get one here)

Equipment needed is minimal.

  • A saucepan or stock pot
  • A jar large enough to hold the kombucha
  • Cheesecloth or clean tea towel
  • Rubber bands

That’s it

In a large stock pot bring 2-4 litres of water to the boil.
In a large stock pot bring 2-4 litres of water to the boil.
2 litres use 4-6 tea bags or 4 litres use 8-12 tea bags
2 litres use 4-6 tea bags or 4 litres use 8-12 tea bags
When the sugar has dissolved add in your tea bags
When the sugar has dissolved add in your tea bags
When the tea bags have been added leave the tea to cool to room temperature
When the tea bags have been added leave the tea to cool to room temperature
When the tea is at room temperature pour it into a jar or container
When the tea is at room temperature pour it into a jar or container
When the tea is at room temperature pour it into a jar or container
When the tea is at room temperature pour it into a jar or container
Add the scoby to the jar with approximately 250ml of the kombucha starter.
Add the scoby to the jar with approximately 250ml of the kombucha starter.
Cover the top of the jar with a clean cloth and secure the cloth with some string or an elastic band.
Cover the top of the jar with a clean cloth and secure the cloth with some string or an elastic band.
Cover the top of the jar with a clean cloth and secure the cloth with some string or an elastic band.
Cover the top of the jar with a clean cloth and secure the cloth with some string or an elastic band.
New scabby on the kombucha brew
New scabby on the kombucha brew
Kombucha ready to bottle
Kombucha ready to bottle

So here is what to do.

How to make kombucha

The brew

In a large stock pot bring 2-4 litres of water to the boil.

When the water is at a rolling boil turn off the heat and stir in 1/2 1 cup of white sugar.

If you want sweet kombucha use 1 cup per 2 litres, for less sweet kombucha add 1/2 cup per 2 litres.

When the sugar has dissolved add in your tea bags

  • 2 litres use 4-6 tea bags
  • 4 litres use 8-12 tea bags

You can use plain black tea or a mixture of black and green tea bags.

When the tea bags have been added leave the tea to cool to room temperature (I usually leave the tea overnight to cool in the stock pot with the lid on).

The ferment

When the tea is at room temperature pour it into a jar or container, I recommend using a large glass jar with a tap on it (like the one below).

Add the scoby to the jar with approximately 250ml of the kombucha starter.

Be warned every scoby has a mind of its own, some float, some sink, some sit sideways. You will grow a new scoby every time you brew and that will have a mind of its own as well.

Cover the top of the jar with a clean cloth and secure the cloth with some string or an elastic band.

Put the jar is a warm place but away from direct sunlight.

Leave the tea for about a week how long it takes to brew will depend on how warm your house is.

A good indicator that your tea is close to ready is that you have a new scoby forming on the top of the tea. The new scoby will look like patches of jelly to start, then it will look like a film on the top of your tea, then it will look like a skinny version of your scoby. At this point you can start to taste the tea.

When you get the tang you want it is ready to bottle, put it in a sterilised bottle and store it in the fridge.

Make sure you save 250ml as a starter for your next batch and make sure you leave some liquid for the scoby to live in. The scoby will use the liquid to get bigger even when you are not brewing kombucha, check on it regularly to make sure it does not dry out.

Carbonation

If you want a fizzy kombucha you can carbonate it.

If you do want to carbonate you will need to use a plastic bottle to make it easier to check the carbonation level.

Fill the bottles as much as possible, when filled, seal the bottles and put them out of direct sunlight at room temperature. It will take a few days for carbonation to get started.

Don’t carbonate your kombucha unless you are home to check them twice a day they will explode and make your house smell funky.

When you use a plastic bottle it is easy to check for carbonation, check the bottle twice a day, when the bottle becomes hard it is carbonated.

As soon as the kombucha is carbonated put all of the bottles in the fridge.

The bigger your scoby gets the more natural carbonation you will get without having to do the additional step.


Chipotle Chicken Potatoes

Revisiting family favourites

I’ve been revisiting recipes that have been some of my old school recipes and family favourites that were our staples when we got started as clean eaters. I first posted this recipe in 2018; at that time, the kids were fussy, vegetables had to be hidden and disguised, and there was no potential for intense flavours or spice. 

Times (thankfully) have changed, the kids have grown (like man-sized grown), and they now enjoy a wide range of foods. Things like vegetables are enjoyed, spice and chilli are consumed without complaint, and new ingredients are tried without tantrums.

As the kids have grown, they have started to enjoy recipes that they previously turned their noses up at; this is one of those recipes.

Chipotle chicken potatoes
Chipotle chicken potatoes

Post-workout meal

Chipotle + Chicken + Sweet Potato = awesome

After a hard workout, I usually want to eat everything I can get my hands on. When I know I have this post-workout meal, I know I will be very happy and full. It is a perfect meal if you are looking to refuel at the end of the day. Back in the day, I would use less chipotle so that the kids wouldn’t complain about the chicken being too spicy. If you have kids that don’t like spice you can reduce the amount of chipotle or add some sour cream to the top of your potato.

Chipotle chicken sweet potatoes recipe

Chipotle chicken potatoes ingredients
Chipotle chicken potatoes ingredients

Ingredients

  • 2 chicken thighs,
  • 2 tbsp. avocado oil
  • 1 tbsp. paprika
  • 1 tsp. ground chipotle pepper
  • 2 tsp. ground cinnamon
  • 1 tbsp. garlic powder
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1 tsp. black pepper
  • 2 sweet potatoes, baked
  • 1 cup kale, chopped
  • 1/2 pepper, chopped
  • 1 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
  • squeeze of fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste 
Take the chicken thighs
Take the chicken thighs
Place the chicken tights in a bowl
Place the chicken tights in a bowl.
Pour the avocado oil over the chicken.
Pour the avocado oil over the chicken.
Take the paprika, chipotle, ground cinnamon, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
Take the paprika, chipotle, ground cinnamon, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
Sprinkle the spice over the chicken.
Sprinkle the spice over the chicken.
Use your hands to mix all of the chicken and seasonings together.
Use your hands to mix all of the chicken and seasonings together. 
Make sure the chicken is thoroughly coated.
Make sure the chicken is thoroughly coated.
Place the chicken on the lined baking tray.
Place the chicken on the lined baking tray.
Grill the chicken for about 4 minutes on each side.
Grill the chicken for about 4 minutes on each side. 
Chop the kale
Chop the kale
Chop the peppers
Chop the peppers
In a bowl mix the kale, pepper, lemon juice, olive oil and seasoning together.
In a bowl mix the kale, pepper, lemon juice, olive oil and seasoning together.
Chop the chicken when it has cooled slightly
Chop the chicken when it has cooled slightly
Add the chicken to the kale mixture.
Add the chicken to the kale mixture.
Take the baked potatoes from the oven
Take the baked potatoes from the oven
Split the baked sweet potatoes lengthwise and use a fork to mash the flesh slightly.
Split the baked sweet potatoes lengthwise and use a fork to mash the flesh slightly.
Add the chicken and kale mixture to the inside of the baked sweet potatoes.
Add the chicken and kale mixture to the inside of the baked sweet potatoes.
You can sprinkle with some cheese and grill it to melt the cheese, or sprinkle on some spiced pumpkin seeds before you serve.
You can sprinkle with some cheese and grill it to melt the cheese, or sprinkle on some spiced pumpkin seeds before you serve.

Chipotle chicken sweet potatoes

  • Servings: 2
  • Rating: ★★★★★
  • Print

Protein packed baked potatoes with a spicy twist.



Credit: Cath @ easycleaneats

Ingredients

  • 2 chicken thighs,
  • 2 tbsp. avocado oil
  • 1 tbsp. paprika
  • 1 tsp. ground chipotle pepper
  • 2 tsp. ground cinnamon
  • 1 tbsp. garlic powder
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1 tsp. black pepper
  • 2 sweet potatoes, baked
  • 1 cup kale, chopped
  • 1/2 pepper, chopped
  • squeeze of fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

  1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
  2. Line a baking tray with baking paper or a silicone liner.
  3. Place the chicken thighs into a bowl, pour the avocado oil over the chicken.
  4. Sprinkle the chicken thighs with the paprika, chipotle, ground cinnamon, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  5. Use your hands to mix all of the chicken and seasonings together.
  6. Make sure the chicken is thoroughly coated.
  7. Place the chicken on the lined baking tray.
  8. Grill the chicken for about 4 minutes on each side.
  9. When the chicken is cooked through remove it from the grill and set it to one side to cool.
  10. In a bowl mix the kale, pepper, lemon juice, olive oil and seasoning together.
  11. Chop the cooled chicken thighs, add the chicken to the kale mixture.
  12. Split the baked sweet potatoes lengthwise and use a fork to mash the flesh slightly.
  13. Add the chicken and kale mixture to the inside of the baked sweet potatoes.
  14. You can sprinkle with some cheese and grill it to melt the cheese, or sprinkle on some spiced pumpkin seeds before you serve.

Nutrition

Per Serving: 486 calories; 32.4 g fat; 25.3 g carbohydrates; 21 g protein

Equipment

  • Knife
  • Chopping board
  • Measuring spoons
  • Measuring cups
  • Baking tray
  • Baking paper or a silicone liner
  • Mixing bowl x2
  • Fork 

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.