Not all snacks are created equal, and I think that’s why, for so long, snacking got such a bad rap. Traditionally, snacking meant something from a packet that was highly processed and refined, and most likely laden with sugars, seed oils and fillers I can’t even pronounce. So, knowing how to snack smart can make a huge difference to your health and wellness journey. And here’s how.
Food, Wine & Beverages
Vanilla Slice
You can bake your own Vanilla Slice at home without the fuss of making puff pastry or any refined sugar, so you can put up a sign out the front of your house saying ‘home of the best vanilla slice’.
Bravo Balsamic!
It’s rich, fruity, concentrated and delicious; yet despite the best being valued as highly as fine wine, most of us in the 50 plus age group had to wait until we were well grown up to discover it! We’re talking about balsamic vinegar.
Sweetcorn Puffed-Up Pudding
A soufflé without whipping the whites and the prepared pudding can rest for more than a day before baking. Ideal for a busy schedule!
Fruit Loaf
A quick and easy fruit loaf which freezes well. You could try making it with different types of fruit (and nuts), or even chocolate chips for when the grandchildren come to stay. We dusted ours with icing sugar, or you could do a simple vanilla glaze with orange zest dusted on top.
Ham & Cheese Herby Crepes
These protein-packed crepes are simply delicious, and can be eaten fresh from the pan or made in advance and reheated. We enjoy them for breakfast, but you could have them at any time of day. The choice is yours!
Rolled Christmas Cookies
These mildly spiced biscuits can be made in advance, and kept in the fridge up to a week. Just slice them up and bake when you want! Perfect for a festive nibble or when visitors call in.
Italian Rice Bake
This is a great comfort bake that’s filling, tasty and freezes well. I often make two at a time – one to eat and one to freeze, to save me time during the week when I feel like a night off from cooking.
Chocolate Ripple Espresso, Rum & Raspberry Log
A blast from the past. I had not eaten or even seen a chocolate ripple cake since my teenage years. But at my brother’s party for his 70th birthday his charming neighbour Carina volunteered to make a collection of sweet dishes.
9 Ways to Fight Food Waste
Food waste is a hot topic, especially as billions of dollars worth of edibles disappear into the world’s landfills each year. Some food is wasted because restaurants and caterers over-order; some is thrown into big bins by supermarkets as ‘best-by’ dates reach their deadlines. But a vast amount of food is wasted in our own homes