Warm, decadent, and absolutely luxurious—these hot chocolate recipes are here to elevate your cosy drink game. Whether you're craving the richness of a ganache-like chocolate cream, the fragrant blend of pistachio milk with floral rose and cardamom, or the pure intensity of freshly roasted cacao, there's something here for every chocolate lover. These recipes celebrate bold flavours, wholesome ingredients, and a touch of indulgence—perfect for a chilly evening or when you need a little treat. We made the creamy pistachio milk using our Namawell M1 plant milk maker for the most delicious creamy drink! Use code HAPPYPEARM1 for 10% off!
Takes 1 hourhour
Serves 2
Ingredients
Chocolate Ganache Hot Chocolate
250goat milk1 cup
250goat cream or cream1 cup
50gchocolate1.75 oz or about 3.5 tbsp chopped
Zest of 1 orange
Pistachio Hot Chocolate
500mlpistachio milk2 cups
50gchocolate1.75 oz or about 3.5 tbsp chopped
3cardamom pods
3rose petalsoptional
The Purist – Roasted Cocoa Bean Ground to Get Cocoa Liquor
100graw cocoa beans or nibsabout 3/4 cup
30gcoconut sugar2.5 tbsp
500mloat milk2 cups
1vanilla pod
Instructions
Chocolate Cream Hot Chocolate
In a saucepan, combine 250ml oat milk and 250ml oat cream. Heat gently over medium heat until warm but not boiling.
While the milk mixture heats, chop 50g chocolate finely and zest 1 orange.
Add the chopped chocolate and orange zest to the warm milk mixture.
Whisk continuously until the chocolate is fully melted, and the mixture thickens to a ganache-like consistency.
Pour into your favourite mug and serve immediately. The rich, velvety texture makes this hot chocolate truly luxurious.
Pistachio Milk Hot Chocolate
Prepare 500ml pistachio milk using a plant milk maker or blend 100g of soaked pistachios with water and strain.
Heat the pistachio milk in a saucepan over medium heat. Add 3 cardamom pods (lightly crushed) and 3 rose petals, allowing the flavours to infuse as the milk warms.
Chop 50g chocolate finely and whisk it into the warm pistachio milk until fully melted and smooth.
Pour the hot chocolate into a mug and top with a dollop of whipped cream. Garnish with additional rose petals for a stunning and aromatic finish.
This fragrant and decadent drink is a favourite, offering a perfect balance of floral and nutty flavours.
Purest Cacao Bean Hot Chocolate
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Spread 100g raw cacao beans evenly on a baking tray and roast for 10-12 minutes until aromatic. Let them cool, then crack and peel them to remove the husks.
Grind the peeled cacao beans in a pestle and mortar or a high-powered blender until smooth, forming a paste (cocoa liquor).
In a saucepan, combine 500ml oat milk, 30g coconut sugar, a pinch of salt, and 1 vanilla pod (split lengthwise and seeds scraped into the mix). Heat over medium heat.
Add the cacao paste to the warm oat milk mixture. Whisk thoroughly until the cacao is fully dissolved, and the mixture is smooth.
Serve the hot chocolate in small cups to savour its rich, intense flavour. This recipe highlights the pure, unadulterated essence of roasted cacao beans.
We genuinely didn't think this would work and also asked ourselves why ferment ketchup? You might wonder the same but trust us, this is genuinely the best ketchup Steve’s had ever tried! The fermentation process brings a real depth of flavour that you wouldn't otherwise get. It's so worth making and even makes a great gift!
Takes 7 daysdays15 minutesminutes
Serves 12
Ingredients
For fermentation:
500gcherry tomatoesabout 3 cups, ripe and organic
10gsea salt or Himalayan salt2 tsp, non-iodized
240mlwater1 cup
½red onion
2-3garlic cloves
10gfresh ginger1 thumb sized piece
1sprig fresh thymeoptional, for aroma
1green chilli
For ketchup blending:
30–45 ml apple cider vinegar2–3 tbsp, adjust for taste
Peel and finely dice the onion, garlic cloves, ginger and green chilli
Place the tomatoes in a clean glass jar along with the onion, garlic, chilli and thyme,
Make the brine:
Dissolve the sea salt in filtered water to create a simple brine.
Pour the brine over the tomatoes and other veg, ensuring they are fully submerged. Use a fermentation weight or a small, clean jar lid to keep the tomatoes submerged under the water
Ferment the tomatoes:
Cover the jar with a loose-fitting lid or a piece of cloth secured with a rubber band.
Place the jar in a room at room temperature out of direct sunlight and leave to ferment for 5-7 days (20–25°C / 68–77°F).
Check daily to ensure the tomatoes remain submerged, and burp the jar (if sealed) to release gas buildup. The tomatoes are ready when they taste tangy, slightly fizzy, and have developed a fermented aroma.
Blend into ketchup:
Strain the fermented tomatoes, reserving some of the brine.
Blend the tomatoes with apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, tomato concentrate, tamari/ soy sauce until smooth. Add reserved brine, a tablespoon at a time, to adjust the consistency.
Taste and adjust:
Taste the ketchup and adjust the seasoning to your liking by adding more sweetener for balance or vinegar for extra tang.
Store and use:
Transfer the ketchup to a clean jar or bottle. Store in the refrigerator, where it will keep for 4–6 weeks.
Tips
For smoother ketchup, pass the blended mixture through a fine mesh sieve.
If you like a spicier ketchup, add a pinch of chili flakes or a fermented chili pepper to the blend.
Save leftover brine to start another batch of fermented vegetables or use as a savory probiotic shot.
Looking for the perfect homemade Christmas gift? These healthier Ferrero Rocher bites are a festive twist on the classic treat! They're indulgent, no-bake, gluten-free, and packed with protein. Plus, they can be made virtually sugar-free, depending on the chocolate you choose. Thoughtful, delicious, and made with love—these are guaranteed to impress and make your holiday gifting extra special!
Takes 30 minutesminutes
Serves 20
Ingredients
250ghazelnuts100g for hazelnut butter (~1 ¾ cups hazelnuts, ¾ cup for hazelnut butter)
Chocolate hazelnut filling:
2tbspcoconut oil
200gMedjool datespitted (~1 cup, packed)
1tspvanilla extract
30gcocoa powder~¼ cup
Pinchof salt
Instructions
Prepare Hazelnuts:
Preheat the oven to 180°C.
Spread the hazelnuts on a baking sheet and toast for 8-10 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden.
Transfer the toasted hazelnuts to a clean tea towel and rub them to remove the skins.
Set aside 100g of skinned hazelnuts for hazelnut butter and reserve 20 whole hazelnuts for centres. Roughly chop the remaining hazelnuts.
Make Hazelnut Butter:
In a food processor, blend 100g skinned roasted hazelnuts with the coconut oil and a pinch of salt until they form a nut butter (3-5 mins).
Prepare Filling:
Remove stones from Medjool dates, leaving roughly 200g.
Add pitted dates, vanilla extract, cocoa powder, and 3-4 tbsp water to the hazelnut butter. Blend until a smooth ball forms.
Form Balls:
Take a small portion of the filling (approx 20g) and place a whole hazelnut in the middle.
Roll into smooth balls (approx 1.5-2 cm diameter), ensuring the hazelnut is centred. Repeat for all filling, you should get approx 20 balls.
Roll balls in the chopped hazelnuts, pressing gently so they stick.
Coat in Chocolate:
Melt chocolate in a bain-marie or microwave.
Dip each ball into the melted chocolate, then sprinkle chopped hazelnuts on top.
Enjoy:
Allow the chocolate to set before serving. Enjoy your healthier Ferrero Rocher protein balls!
Tofu often gets a bad rap for being bland, but this recipe is here to change that perception! By using a clever cutting method inspired by hasselback potatoes, you create deep, flavourful pockets where the miso glaze seeps in, ensuring every bite is packed with umami goodness. This technique not only transforms the texture of the tofu but also makes it visually impressive and incredibly delicious. Paired with julienned carrots, kimchi, and a bed of rice or quinoa, it's a delicious meal that will make even tofu skeptics reconsider!
Takes 35 minutesminutes
Serves 2
Ingredients
Miso Glaze
1tbspmiso
1tbspmaple syrup
1tbsprapeseed oil
Juice of 1 lemon
1tbspGochugaru or chilli flakes
1thumb gingergrated
1garlic clovegrated
Tofu & Trimmings
280gblock firm tofuapprox 1 ¼ cups chopped
2carrotjulienned (or veg of choice)
2tablespoonkimchi
400gapprox 2 cup cooked rice or quinoa
Instructions
Prepare the Tofu:
Place the block of tofu on a cutting board with a chopstick or similar object on either side.
Slice the tofu in vertical lines, stopping at the chopsticks to avoid cutting through.
Flip the tofu and repeat with horizontal slices to create the accordion effect.
Make the Miso Glaze:
In a small bowl, whisk together the miso, maple syrup, rapeseed oil, lemon juice, gochugaru, grated ginger, and garlic until smooth.
Glaze and Roast:
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
Place the accordion tofu on a lined baking tray. Use a brush or spoon to coat the tofu thoroughly with the miso glaze, ensuring it seeps into the cuts.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, basting halfway through with any remaining glaze, until golden and slightly crisp.
Prepare the Vegetables and Base:
While the tofu bakes, julienne the carrots and prepare your kimchi and cooked rice or quinoa.
Assemble:
Serve the roasted accordion tofu on a bed of rice or quinoa.
Top with julienned carrots and a dollop of kimchi.
Optional Garnishes:
Add sliced green onions, sesame seeds, or a drizzle of toasted sesame oil for extra flavor.
In this inspiring, we sit down with Alexandra Pope and Sjanie Hugo Wurlitzer, the visionary co-founders of The Red School. Alexandra and Sjanie are internationally recognised for their pioneering work in the field of menstruality—a groundbreaking approach to understanding the power of the menstrual cycle and its role in fostering creativity, wellbeing, and personal transformation.
Episode 178
Together, they’ve co-authored Wild Power and their latest book, Wise Power: Discover the Liberating Power of Menopause. They also host the widely celebrated Menstruality Podcast, where they dive deep into topics of cyclical living and empowerment.
This conversation explores how embracing the natural rhythms of the menstrual cycle and menopause can lead to profound self-discovery and liberation. Alexandra and Sjanie share their wisdom, practical tools, and insights into how cyclical awareness can transform every aspect of life, from relationships and work to health and spirituality.
Whether you’re navigating your menstrual years, approaching menopause, or supporting someone who is, this episode offers empowering insights and practical advice. Alexandra and Sjanie’s work is a call to reconnect with the innate wisdom of the body and embrace the cycles of life as allies in growth and transformation.
Dave & Steve
Lots of love,
SPONSORS & DISCOUNT CODES:
Namawell Juicers are AMAZING! They have absolutely revolutionised the juicing game. We have an exclusive 10% discount for you!
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Make your own tortilla? Grab a tortilla wrap, spoon on this delicious filling and customize your creation with your favourite additions such as fresh tomato salsa, creamy avocado slices, and a sprinkle of chopped coriander. Relish every bite!
INGREDIENTS
Cooked Brown Rice (30%) [Water, Brown Rice], Tomatoes (22%), Red Peppers (7%), Sweet Corn (6%), Red Kidney Beans (5%), Onions, Leeks, Black Beans (4.5%), Yellow Peppers (3.5%), Green Peppers (3.5%), Jalapeño Chillies (2%), Spices, Corn Starch, Garlic Purée, Tomato Paste, Rapeseed Oil, Agave Syrup, Salt, Red Chillies, Herbs, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder
ALLERGEN INFORMATION
For allergens incl. Cereals containing Gluten, see ingredients highlighted.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
Typical
per 100g
Energy
321kJ / 76kcal
Fat
0.9g
Of which Saturates
0.1g
Carbohydrates
13g
Of which Sugars
2.7g
Fibre
3.2g
Protein
2.4g
Salt
0.31g
Sodium
0.31g
This Pack Contains 1 Serving
Size: 400g
Make it your own Add your own ingredients e.g. Tofu, peas or whatever you fancy for that extra oomph!
For allergens incl. Cereals containing Gluten, see ingredients highlighted. Contains Soya, Wheat – May Also Contain Traces of Mustard
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
Typical
per 100g
Energy
443kJ / 105kcal
Fat
1.9g
Of which Saturates
0.5g
Carbohydrates
16g
Of which Sugars
0.9g
Fibre
3.5g
Protein
4.3g
Salt
0.32g
Sodium
0.32g
This Pack Contains 1 Serving
Fermented Festive Fruit Punch
This Fermented Festive Fruit Punch is a fun and fizzy drink that’s perfect for the holiday season! Made with fresh cranberries, apples, citrus, and warming spices like cinnamon and cloves, it’s packed with festive flavours and a light, natural sparkle from wild fermentation. We used our Namawell J2 juicer to make the cranberry and apple juice – it’s the best juicer we’ve used and we absolutely love it! Use code HAPPYPEAR10 for 10% off!
Takes 6 daysdays15 minutesminutes
Serves 4
Ingredients
For the fermented punch:
Fresh Cranberries: 200g2 cups
4Apples mediumsweet variety like Fuji or Honeycrisp)
2Orangesunwaxed, organic
1Lemonunwaxed, organic
Fresh Ginger: 10g1-inch piece, peeled
2tablespoonsof brown sugar
3cinnamon sticks
1tspwhole Cloves
1tspStar Anise
To serve:
1tbspwhite sugar
1tbsporange zest
Instructions
Juice the Ingredients:
Feed the cranberries and apples, through your Namawell J2 juicer.
Transfer to Fermentation Vessel:
Pour the juice into a sterilized glass jar, leaving at least 1-2 inches of headspace for bubbling.
Optional: Add a few slices of citrus fruit, ginger, cinnamon sticks, star anise and cloves to the jar to enhance the aromatic notes. We recommend using organic, unwaxed citrus fruit, as we want to preserve the wild yeast on the outer skin of the fruit which kickstarts the fermentation process.
Kickstart Fermentation:
Cover the jar with a cheesecloth or a loose-fitting lid to allow wild yeast and bacteria from the environment to interact with the juice.
Place the jar in a warm, dark place (around 18-24°C / 65-75°F) for 2-4 days
Monitor the Fermentation:
Look for small bubbles and a slight tangy aroma, indicating fermentation is active.
Taste daily to avoid over-fermentation; you want it lightly fizzy and tangy, not overly sour.
Strain and Bottle:
Strain the fermented juice into airtight bottles to remove ginger and apple pieces.
Seal tightly and allow it to ferment for an additional 2-5 days at room temperature for carbonation. Ensure to burp each day to prevent a build up of excess carbonation, this simply means open the lid and close it for a second each day!
Refrigerate to stop fermentation and retain fizz.
Serve
Serve over ice in a tall glass.
Garnish with a sugar rim by mixing orange zest & sugar and rolling the rim of the glass in the sugar mixture. Garnish with a slice of orange and cinnamon stick
These make a wonderful edible gift and great last minute present which everyone likes! Literally takes 30 mins and they can look very professional! If you have a nice box and a ribbon, it can really make them look like a fancy homemade gift!
Takes 30 minutesminutes
Serves 36
Ingredients
300gdark chocolate1 ¾ cups, chopped or chips
150mlHappy Pear oat milk⅔ cup
150gbutterplant-based (⅔ cup)
50gshelled pistachios⅓ cup
50gtoasted hazelnuts⅓ cup
20gfreeze-dried raspberries⅓ cup
Instructions
Break up the chocolate into small pieces and put in a bowl.
Finely dice the pistachios and hazelnuts into a fine crumb ensuring to keep them separate. You could alternatively use a blender. Do the same with the freeze dried raspberries
Put the oat milk and butter into a medium sauce pan on high heat. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer until the butter has melted.
Remove from the heat and pour over the chocolate.
Leave to sit for 1 minute and stir until it’s all well combined and super chocolatey.
Divide into three bowls, in one bowl add half the pistachio crumb and mix through, in the second bowl add half of the hazelnut crumb and mix through and in the final bowl add half of the freeze dried raspberries and mix through.
Put each of the three bowls in the fridge to set, this will take approx 20-30 mins.
Remove once set and roll into small balls (approx 15g in weight) being careful not to handle too much as they will melt if you handle them too much.
Coat each different truffle in their respective topping as in the pistachio truffle coat in pistachio and similarly with the other two varieties
Put in a small box or clear bag, label up and enjoy!
This is perfect for those evenings that you don't feel like standing over a stove and washing lots of dishes, it takes 5 mins preparation and then the oven does the work and you only have one pan to wash up! Orzo is pasta that looks like rice and goes wonderfully creamy in this dish. We used our Happy Pear Sundried Tomato Pesto which really elevates the flavour of the dish!
Takes 40 minutesminutes
Serves 2
Ingredients
1onionabout 1 cup chopped
1courgetteabout ½ cup grated or diced
1tin400g of chickpeas (about 1 ¾ cups cooked chickpeas)
300gorzo pastaabout 3 cups dry pasta
800mlvegetable stock1 ⅔ cups
1tin400g chopped tomatoes (about 1 ¾ cups)
100mlHappy Pear sundried tomato pesto or pesto of choice
½tspblack pepper
1tspsalt
100gcherry tomatoesabout ⅔ cup
1tspchilli flakesoptional, for garnish
Instructions
Preheat the oven.
Preheat the oven to 200°C (375°F).
Prepare the vegetables and other ingredients.
Peel and finely dice the onion. Dice the courgette into small bitesized pieces. Drain and rinse the chickpeas.
Assemble everything in a casserole dish.
In a large casserole or baking dish, add the diced onion, diced courgette, chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, pasta, vegetable stock, tin of chopped tomatoes, pesto, salt and black pepper. Gently mix everything to combine. Ensure the pasta is fully submerged in the liquid for even cooking.
Bake the pasta.
Cover the dish tightly with a lid, baking parchment or aluminium foil. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente. Remove the foil or lid and bake for a further 10 mins or until the pasta is cooked and soft but still has some bite.
Taste and season .
Remove the dish from the oven and carefully stir to ensure the sauce is evenly distributed. Taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking by adding more salt, black pepper or chili.
Serve and enjoy.
Serve immediately, garnish with a glug of olive oil, some fresh basil and/ or a sprinkle with chilli flakes and enjoy!
This recipe transforms pistachios into a creamy, sweetened paste that blends into a silky texture. Matcha, though not always our go-to ingredient, complements the pistachio perfectly and adds a vibrant green hue without any artificial colors. We used an ice cube tray for mini bites, but it works just as well in a larger tray cut into squares.
Takes 15 minutesminutes
Serves 24
Ingredients
Chocolate Layer
300gDark chocolateapprox. 1.75 cups
Pistachio Cream Layer
150gshelled pistachio nuts1 cup
1tbspmatcha powder
2tbspcoconut oil
3tbspmaple syrup
1tspvanilla extract
Instructions
Melt Chocolate, layer into mould and freeze
Chop the chocolate into small pieces and melt using a bain marie or microwave. Divide into two bowls. Take half of the melted chocolate and divide between all the squares in the mould. You want to fill each square with chocolate and use a small spoon to brush the chocolate up the sides a little so they form little cups. Put the chocolate filled moulds into the freezer so the chocolate hardens for 15 mins.
Make pistachio layer and layer on
Add the shelled pistachio nuts to a food processor along with the coconut oil, maple syrup and vanilla extract and blend till it forms a silky smooth pistachio butter. This will take a few mins and if your food processor is heating up give it a little break.
Once the chocolate is set, remove from the freezer and spoon the pistachio butter onto each square.
Cover with melted chocolate and cool to set
Pour the additional melted chocolate over the pistachio layer, spreading evenly for a smooth layer. Put in the fridge to set for 30 mins before removing each square and enjoying!
Notes
If you don’t have a silicone mould , you can use a regular baking tray and cut them into squares.
Easy, tasty and very little to clean up! This makes a great quick mid week dinner that also works well as a cold salad the next day if you make extra. If you are Italian, apologies up front for cooking the pasta in the oven which is a big no no in traditional Italian cooking but it works fab here and saves on washing up! We love to serve this with a crust of bread which works perfect to clean up the juices left on the plate! This dish also goes great with your favourite grated cheese to add more richness!
Takes 30 minutesminutes
Serves 4
Ingredients
1red onionabout 1 cup chopped
1carrotabout ½ cup grated or diced
1tin400g of lentils (about 1 ¾ cups cooked lentils)
300gpasta of choiceabout 3 cups dry pasta
400mlvegetable stock1 ⅔ cups
250mlplant milknon-dairy milk of choice (1 cup)
1tin400g chopped tomatoes (about 1 ¾ cups)
15gnutritional yeastabout 2 tbsp
3clovesof garlicabout 1 tbsp minced
1tbspdried thyme or rosemary
50gsun-dried tomatoesabout ⅓ cup
1tbspmaple syrup
½tspblack pepper
1tspsalt
100gcherry tomatoesabout ⅔ cup
1handful30g fresh basilchopped (about ½ cup)
1tspchilli flakesoptional, for garnish
Instructions
Preheat the oven.
Preheat the oven to 200°C (375°F).
Prepare the vegetables and other ingredients.
Peel and finely dice the red onion. Peel and grate the carrot. Peel and finely chop the garlic. Halve the cherry tomatoes. Chop the sun-dried tomatoes into small pieces.
Assemble everything in a casserole dish.
In a large casserole or baking dish, add the diced onion, grated carrot, lentils, pasta, vegetable stock, plant milk, chopped tomatoes, nutritional yeast, garlic, thyme/rosemary, sun-dried tomatoes, maple syrup, and black pepper. Gently mix everything to combine. Ensure the pasta is fully submerged in the liquid for even cooking. Top with the halved cherry tomatoes and chopped basil.
Bake the pasta.
Cover the dish tightly with a lid or aluminium foil. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente. Remove the foil or lid and bake for a further 10 mins or until the pasta is cooked and soft but still has some bite.
Stir and garnish.
Remove the dish from the oven and carefully stir to ensure the sauce is evenly distributed. Sprinkle with chilli flakes (if using) or a glug of olive oil and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
Serve and enjoy.
Serve immediately, topped with additional fresh basil and vegan Parmesan, if desired.
The Happy Pear is celebrating 20 incredible years, and we’re overflowing with gratitude as we reflect on this amazing journey.
Episode 177
What began in 2004 as two brothers selling cabbages from a humble veg shop has blossomed into something truly special—a thriving café, a farm, a series of bestselling cookbooks, award-winning food products, and a passionate community devoted to health, happiness, and plant-based living. None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of our incredible community.
In this week’s podcast episode, hosted by our wonderful friend Andrea Splendori, we dive into the journey – sharing the highs, the lows, and everything in between.
To mark this milestone, we’re thrilled to announce the launch of our new book, The Happy Pear 20: Recipes and Learnings From the First 20 Years. It’s a heartfelt celebration of our most-loved recipes and the lessons we’ve learned along the way, dedicated to the community that has supported us every step of the way.
Thank you for an unforgettable 20 years. Here’s to continuing to grow, share, and connect through delicious food and shared values!
Dave & Steve
Lots of love,
SPONSORS & DISCOUNT CODES:
Namawell Juicers are AMAZING! They have absolutely revolutionised the juicing game. We have an exclusive 10% discount for you!
VIVOBAREFOOT: Vivobarefoot Footwear have given our listeners an exclusive 20% discount and if you buy now you also get free access to their incredible course showcasing some of the biggest names in the health and wellness space.
We know what you’re thinking – "I’ve seen fire cider before." But trust us, not like this! Most fire cider recipes simply steep ingredients in vinegar, but here we take it a step further by fermenting the vinegar from scratch. Using fresh apples, foraged rosehips, and immune-boosting superfoods, this recipe infuses immunity benefits from the inside out. It's easy to make and a great ally in warding off colds and flus.
Takes 42 daysdays15 minutesminutes
Serves 16
Ingredients
500gapplesabout 2-3 apples
1Lwater4 cups
100gcoconutbrown, or white sugar (½ cup)
Handful of wild rosehips
10gfresh turmericabout 2 teaspoons grated or 1-inch piece
10gfresh gingerabout 2 teaspoons grated or 1-inch piece
20gfresh mint leaves1/2 cup loosely packed leaves
2lemonsideally unwaxed
Pinchof ground black pepper
1tbspcoconut oil
Instructions
Prepare the jar
Use a clean, sterilised 1.5-liter glass jar to avoid contamination.
Dissolve the sugar
In a separate container, dissolve 100g (½ cup) of sugar in 1L (4 cups) of water until fully mixed.
Prepare the ingredients
Slice the apples into quarters. Finely slice the ginger and turmeric. Cut the lemons into quarters.
Add to the jar
Add the apple slices, ginger, turmeric, and lemons to the jar. Follow with the mint leaves, a pinch of black pepper, and the coconut oil.
Pour in the sugar water
Pour the sugar water into the jar, ensuring the ingredients are fully submerged. Use a clean weight or small plate to keep floating pieces submerged.
Cover the jar
Cover the jar with a breathable cloth (like cheesecloth) and secure it with a rubber band. This allows airflow while keeping dust and bugs out.
Start fermentation
Place the jar in a warm, dark spot (20-25°C or 68-77°F) for 1 week to 10 days. Stir the mixture every 2-3 days to promote fermentation and prevent mould formation.
Strain and continue fermenting
After 1 week – 10 days, strain out the solids and return the liquid to the jar. Cover with the cloth again and let it ferment for another 3-4 weeks, stirring occasionally.
Taste test
After the second fermentation, taste the vinegar. If tangy enough, it’s ready. If not, let it ferment for another week.
Bottle and store
Transfer the finished vinegar to a clean bottle. Seal tightly and store in the refrigerator or a cool, dark place.
This Fermented Immunity Elixir is a powerhouse of nutrients and natural probiotics, combining turmeric, ginger, and citrus for an amazing way to support your immune system in the winter months Turmeric and ginger bring their natural detoxifying power, while the vibrant citrus adds a refreshing zing that’s perfect for supporting overall wellness. We love creating recipes like this with our Namawell juicer, which is a dream to use—if you’re interested in trying one, check them out and use HAPPYPEAR10 for 10% off!
Takes 5 daysdays20 minutesminutes
Serves 4
Ingredients
Ingredients for the Turmeric Bug
50gfresh gingerabout 1/4 cup, chopped
50gfresh turmericabout 1/4 cup, chopped
1lemonquartered
100gcoconut or brown sugarabout 1/2 cup
1Lwater4 cups
Ingredients for the Juice
4large carrotsabout 2 cups, chopped
2orangespeeled
1limepeeled
1red grapefruitpeeled
Instructions
Make the Turmeric Bug
Finely chop the ginger and turmeric. Quarter the lemon.
Add the turmeric, ginger, lemon, and sugar to a sterilised jar, then pour in the water. Stir well, seal with a lid, and label the jar with the date.
Leave the mixture to ferment at room temperature. Each day for the next 5 days, “burp” the jar by briefly opening the lid to release any built-up gas, then re-seal. This prevents excess pressure from building up.
After 5 days, you’ll have a fizzy turmeric bug with a yeasty aroma, similar to beer or bread—signs that it’s ready to use. You can use it immediately or store it in the fridge, where it will keep for around 1 week.
Make the Juice
Peel the grapefruit, orange, and lemon.
Cut the carrots into chunks
Add all ingredients into the juicer and blend
Combine the Turmeric Bug and Juice
Mix the carrot and citrus juice with the turmeric bug and enjoy!
We recommend a ratio of 1 part turmeric bug to 3 part juice.
Making your own apple scraps vinegar is a rewarding and eco-friendly way to use up leftover apple peels and cores, reducing waste and creating a nutritious, homemade vinegar in the process. This simple recipe requires only a few ingredients and some patience, but the results are worth the wait. Apple vinegar is naturally packed with beneficial bacteria, enzymes, and a tangy depth of flavour that’s perfect for salad dressings, marinades, and more!
Takes 35 daysdays25 minutesminutes
Serves 12
Ingredients
200gapple scrapsabout 1 ½ cups
1Lwater4 cups
100gcoconut/brown sugar/white sugar½ cup
100mlapple cider vinegar with mother in itabout ⅓ cup
Instructions
Prepare the Jar: Use a clean, sterilised 1.5-liter glass jar.
Dissolve the Sugar: In a separate container, dissolve the 100g (½ cup) of sugar in 1 litre (4 cups) of water.
Add Apple Scraps: Place the apple peels and cores in the jar. Make sure they take up about half of the jar, leaving space for the water.
Pour in the Sugar Water: Pour the sugar water over the apple scraps, covering them completely. If any pieces float, place a clean weight or small plate to keep them submerged.
Cover the Jar: Cover the jar with a breathable cloth (like cheesecloth) and secure it with a rubber band. This allows airflow and keeps dust and bugs out.
Fermentation: Place the jar in a warm, dark place (around 20-25°C or 68-77°F) for approx 1 week to 10 days. Stir the mixture every couple of days to help with fermentation and prevent mould.
Strain and Continue Fermenting: After 1 week – 10 days of initial fermentation, strain out the apple scraps and return the liquid to the jar. Add in the apple cider vinegar to help guide the next fermentation process and to speed up the process. Cover it again with the cloth and let it ferment for another 3-4 weeks until it reaches the desired acidity.
Taste Test: After the second fermentation period, taste the vinegar. If it’s tangy enough, it’s ready to use. If not, let it ferment for another week.
Bottle and Store: Once ready, transfer the vinegar to a clean bottle and seal. Store it in the refrigerator or a cool, dark place.
We have made this cake in 5 minutes in front of audiences at festivals and events when doing Cooking demos and it is always a crowd pleaser. It is easy to make, healthier than most desserts and very satisfying. It's a popular choice in our cafes and offers a healthier alternative to traditional salted caramel tarts, thanks to its higher fibre content.
Takes 18 minutesminutes
Serves 12
Ingredients
Base:
250gcashew nutsabout 2 cups
150gpitted datesabout 1 cup
2tbspcocoa powderabout 1/8 cup
2tablespoonscoconut oilabout 1/8 cup
Caramel:
300gdatesabout 2 cups
150gsmooth peanut butter/almond butterabout 2/3 cup
120gcoconut oilabout 1/2 cup
6-10tablespoonswaterabout 1/3-2/3 cup
A pinch of saltoptional, to taste
1tspvanilla extractabout 1/3 tbsp
Chocolate Topping:
300gchocolateabout 1 3/4 cups, chopped
4tablespoonscoconut oilabout 1/4 cup
Instructions
For the base layer:
Process cashews in a food processor until a flour-like consistency is obtained.
Add dates, cocoa powder and coconut oil to the processor and blend until the mixture starts to come together.
Line a brownie tray (23cm x 18cm x 5cm deep) with baking parchment
Transfer the base mixture to the tin, spread evenly, and using the back of a tablespoon press firmly into the base to compact it.
For the caramel layer:
Without cleaning the food processor, add the dates, peanut butter, coconut oil, and water. Blend until super smooth and caramel-like, adding more water if needed to achieve a smooth consistency. This may take from 5 to 10 mins
If desired, add a pinch of salt to enhance the sweetness and blend until the mixture reaches a toffee-like colour.
Spread the caramel evenly over the base layer, using baking parchment on top to help smooth it out.
For the chocolate layer:
Melt the chocolate and coconut oil together using a water bath, bain-marie or a microwave.
Gently pour the melted chocolate over the caramel layer and spread it to create an even topping.
Refrigerate the tart for at least 30 minutes to allow the chocolate to set solid.
To serve, sprinkle coarse salt flakes on top if desired. Use a hot knife to slice the tart, which helps prevent the chocolate from cracking.
In this week’s special episode, we sit down for an in-person conversation with Dr. Melanie Joy, marking our third time hosting this extraordinary guest. Dr. Joy is a celebrated psychologist, author, and speaker, widely recognised for her pioneering work on the psychology of eating habits, relationships, and social justice.
Episode 176
Melanie is best known for coining the term “carnism”—the invisible belief system that conditions people to eat certain animals—and her bestselling books, including Why We Love Dogs, Eat Pigs, and Wear Cows. Dr. Joy’s work explores how our beliefs shape our choices, and how we can cultivate healthier relationships with ourselves, each other, and the world around us.
In this powerful episode, we dive deep into fresh topics on emotional resilience, effective communication, and the mindset shifts needed for personal and social change. Including exploring her latest book; How To End Injustice Everywhere. Melanie’s insights are incredibly relevant for anyone interested in strengthening their relationships, building more empathy, and fostering a healthier relationship with food.
Join us as we explore Dr. Joy’s unique perspectives on these crucial topics, and find out how you can apply her guidance to create more fulfilling and connected lives. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to deepen their understanding of themselves and create positive change in the world around them.
Lots of love,
Dave & Steve
SPONSORS & DISCOUNT CODES:
Namawell Juicers are AMAZING! They have absolutely revolutionised the juicing game. We have an exclusive 10% discount for you!
VIVOBAREFOOT: Vivobarefoot Footwear have given our listeners an exclusive 20% discount and if you buy now you also get free access to their incredible course showcasing some of the biggest names in the health and wellness space.
This is one of the simplest, most hands-off ways to get dinner on the table! With just 5 minutes of prep, you can let the oven do all the heavy lifting, giving you a flavourful, nourishing meal without the fuss. We use tofu and oyster mushrooms here for a savoury, satisfying base, but you can easily switch up the veggies based on what’s in your fridge or what’s fresh in season. It’s a flexible, plant-powered dish that’s perfect for busy nights or when you want something delicious with minimal effort!
Takes 25 minutesminutes
Serves 4
Ingredients
300gbrown rice noodles or noodles of choiceapprox. 3 cups cooked
1can of low-fat coconut milk400ml or approx. 1 3/4 cups
12gfresh gingerapprox. 1 tbsp, grated
2clovesgarlicminced
3tbsptamari or soy sauce
Juice of 1/2 lemonapprox. 1 tbsp
2tbspcoconut sugar or maple syrup
1/2tspchilli powder
200mlwaterapprox. 3/4 cup
Garnish
2tbspsesame seeds
Red cabbage sauerkraut
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 200°C (around 400°F) so it’s ready for baking by the time everything is assembled.
Prepare the Vegetables
While the oven is heating, take a few minutes to prepare your veggies. Slice the green onions, chop up the pak choy, and give the mushrooms a rough chop if they’re on the larger side. Cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes. Feel free to add any other veggies you have on hand—it’s a flexible recipe!
Assemble Everything in the Baking Tray
In a large baking tray, add the brown rice noodles, tofu, mushrooms, green onions, and pak choy. Pour over the coconut milk, tamari or soy sauce, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, chilli powder, coconut sugar or maple syrup, and water. Use your hands or a spoon to gently toss everything together, making sure the noodles are fully coated in the sauce. This will help the flavours mingle as it bakes.
Bake to Perfection
Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. About halfway through, give everything a quick stir to ensure even cooking. You’ll know it’s ready when the sauce has thickened a bit and the noodles are tender.
Final Touches
Remove the tray from the oven, give it a good mix to combine all the flavours, and then garnish with any extra toppings you like—maybe fresh herbs, sesame seeds, or a squeeze of lime for an extra zing.
Serve and Enjoy!
Dish up this cosy, flavour-packed meal and enjoy a bowl of delicious comfort food. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner!
We love Kimchi and have super charged it with some wild rose hip and fresh turmeric. Rosehips are packed with vitamin C & A, antioxidants, iron and fibre and are easy to forage in autumn. This kimchi is both probiotic and prebiotic as well as packed with nutrition. Goes great with any savoury meal and gives it a pop of chilli, acid and savoury hit! When handling rosehips, be mindful of the seeds—they have tiny hairs that can irritate your digestive system if you eat too many.
Takes 7 daysdays35 minutesminutes
Serves 12
Ingredients
– 1.5 kg12-15 cups mixed vegetables:
– Napa cabbageChinese cabbage
– Carrots
– Radish
– Scallions
– 100gapprox 1.5 cups rosehips
– 30gapprox. 2 tbsp salt (approximately 2% of the weight of the vegetables)
Sauce Ingredients:
– 12g ginger1 thumb-sized piece
– 5 cloves garlic
– 6g1 tbsp grated fresh turmeric or 1 tsp of powdered turmeric
– 4 tbsp tamarisoy sauce
– 2 tbsp maple syrup
– 1/2 tsp kelp powderor seaweed powder
– 8 tbsp gochugaruKorean chilli powder
Rice Porridge Ingredients:
-500ml2 cups water
– 3 tbsp rice flour
Instructions
Prepare the vegetables:
Cut the Napa cabbage lengthwise into quarters. Remove the core and outer leaves and chop them into bite-sized pieces or leave them long if preferred. Julienne 1.5 kg of radish and carrots into thin matchsticks. If you have the stalks of the radish, finely chop these. Remove any stalk from the rose hips. Cut the scallions into 1-inch pieces. Add to a large bowl and mix with the salt. To remove the rosehip seeds: – Slice the Rosehips: First, cut each rosehip in half with a sharp knife. This exposes the seeds and makes them easier to reach.– Scoop or Scrape: Use a small spoon or knife tip to scoop or scrape out the seeds. You can wear gloves if the fine hairs bother your skin.– Rinse Well: After removing the seeds, rinse the rosehip halves thoroughly to wash away any remaining hairs.
Prepare rice porridge:
In a saucepan, combine 500ml of water with 3 tbsp of rice flour. Bring to a boil, stirring regularly, and simmer for 5 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and let it cool completely.
Make the kimchi paste:
Peel and finely grate 12g of ginger and the 6g of fresh turmeric and 5 cloves of garlic. In a large mixing bowl, combine the minced garlic, grated ginger, turmeric, 8 tbsp of gochugaru, 4 tbsp of tamari, 2 tbsp of maple syrup, and 1/2 tsp of seaweed powder (if using). Mix well to form a thick paste. Add this to the cooled rice porridge to form the sauce. Taste and adjust the spice level by adding more gochugaru if desired.
Combine ingredients:
Add the prepared salted vegetables to the kimchi paste. Massage the paste into the vegetables until they are evenly coated.
Pack and label in jars:
Pack the kimchi tightly into clean glass jars, pressing down firmly to remove any air pockets. Ensure the vegetables are submerged under the sauce as this is anaerobic fermentation. Leave about 1 inch of space at the top of each jar. Label each jar with the date.
Fermentation:
Seal the jars tightly and let them ferment at room temperature for 1 to 5 days, depending on your desired level of fermentation. Check the kimchi daily and press it down with a clean spoon to keep the vegetables submerged in their juices. The longer you ferment it the more acidic it will become. Also the warmer the room temperature the quicker it will become acidic too.
Refrigerate:
Once the kimchi reaches your preferred level of fermentation, put in the fridge to halt fermentation. Your kimchi will last for many months in the fridge.
This is a delicious sourdough pizza base topped with juicy tomato sauce, a creamy sheese, jackfruit pepperoni & a drizzle of chilli oil. Absolutely delicious. Chilli rating 1 (mild).
For allergens, including Cereals containing Gluten, see highlighted ingredients.
Contains Wheat. May also contain traces of Soya.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
Weight: 262g
Typical
per 100g
Energy
1044kJ
249kcal
Fat
8.7g
Of Which Saturates
2.4g
Carbohydrate
34g
Of Which Sugars
4.4g
Fibre
3.6g
Protein
6.8g
Salt
1.0g
Sodium
1.0g
A mighty sourdough pizza with creamy sheese, cherry tomatoes, peppers, caramelised onions with a basil drizzle. This pizza will have you coming back for more!
For allergens, including Cereals containing Gluten, see highlighted ingredients.
Contains Wheat. May also contain traces of Soya.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
Weight: 277g
Typical
per 100g
Energy
888kJ
211kcal
Fat
5.6g
Of Which Saturates
2.7g
Carbohydrate
32g
Of Which Sugars
6.9g
Fibre
2.8g
Protein
6.7g
Salt
0.93g
Sodium
0.93g
Easy 15-Minute Quesadillas with Pumpkin Cheese
Super quick to make and such a wonderful way to celebrate autumn. These quesadillas are filled with homemade pumpkin cheese, refried beans, guacamole, and smoked tofu. Tasty and healthier!
Takes 12 minutesminutes
Serves 4
Ingredients
Guacamole:
2avocados
10cherry tomatoes
1tspground cumin
Pinchof salt and pepper
Juice of ½ lime
Refried Beans:
1x 400g tin kidney beans1.5 cups
1tbsptamarior soy sauce
70mlwater¼ cup
Pinchof salt
Pumpkin Cheese:
100gpumpkin purée⅓ cup
3tbspvegetable oil
2tbspnutritional yeast
65mloat milk¼ cup
1tspsalt
Juice of ½ lime
Additional Ingredients:
200gblock of smoked tofuapprox 1 cup, diced
8tortillas
Instructions
Make the refried beans:
Drain and rinse the 400g (14 oz) tin of kidney beans. Add to a frying pan on high heat and cook for 2 minutes. Add a pinch of salt, 1 tbsp tamari, and begin mashing the beans with a potato masher. The beans when mashed will thicken the mixture, so gradually add 70ml (¼ cup) of water while continuing to mash. Cook until the mixture forms a thick paste. Taste and adjust seasoning. Set aside.
Make the guacamole:
Scoop out the flesh of the 2 avocados and dice them. Quarter the 10 cherry tomatoes and mix them with the avocado. Add 1 tsp ground cumin, juice of ½ lime, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Make the pumpkin cheese:
Add 100g (⅓ cup) of pumpkin purée, 3 tbsp vegetable oil, 2 tbsp nutritional yeast, 65ml (¼ cup) oat milk, 1 tsp salt, and juice of ½ lime into a blender. Blend until smooth. If the consistency is too thick, add more oat milk; if too thin, add more pumpkin purée. Taste and adjust seasoning to your preference.
Slice the smoked tofu:
Slice the 200g (7 oz) block of smoked tofu into thin strips.
Assemble and cook the quesadillas:
Heat a clean frying pan over medium heat. Place a tortilla in the pan, spread 2 tbsp of the pumpkin cheese across the tortilla, and then layer with some refried beans, guacamole, and smoked tofu slices on one half. Fold the tortilla over and cook on both sides until golden brown. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and fillings.
Like drinking liquid sunshine with a nice fiery after hit! These fresh turmeric and ginger golden shots are a great immune boost, often they are strained but we left all the fibre goodness in which will help with the absorption of nutrients as well as filling you up! The ground black pepper and coconut oil is to help with the absorption of the curcumin in the turmeric.
Takes 10 minutesminutes
Serves 20
Ingredients
2oranges
2lemons
100gfresh gingerapprox 1/2 cup, chopped
35gfresh turmericapprox. 3 tbsp, chopped
1/2tspground turmeric
1/8tspblack pepper
400mlof waterapprox 1.7 cups
½tspcoconut oil
Instructions
Cut the turmeric and ginger into small pieces
Peel your oranges and lemons.
Add all of the ingredients into your blender. Pop the lid on and blend on high until super smooth.
Typically this is sieved to give a super silky texture but in doing so you lose some of the goodness from the fibre so we have left ours as is.
We stored ours in a 1L Jar in the fridge for 5 days and had a good shot of it each day. Great way to give you a boost to help keep colds and flu at bay!
Making your own chilli sauce is super easy and a great way to use and preserve your chillies. It makes a great gift and a wonderful condiment to add a kick to any dish. We used Thai chillies, habaneros, and green chillies, and added we’ve added turmeric for its anti-inflammatory and immunity boosting properties and ginger. We’re not great with very spicy dishes, so we roasted some carrots and blended them through to reduce the spiciness by adding sweetness and starch. You don’t have to do this, but it’s a handy way to reduce the heat if you’re like us!
Takes 7 daysdays30 minutesminutes
Serves 12
Ingredients
Fermented Chillies
500gfresh assorted chillies (3 cups approx)
4clovesgarlic
small thumb size ginger
small thumb sized turmeric
water
Hot Sauce
320mlchilli brine (1 1/3 cup approx)
7tbspmaple syrup
7tbspapple cider vinegar
1tspsalt
1/2tspground pepper
75groasted carrot (1/2 cup approx)
1tbsptamari
Instructions
Cut the green parts off the chillies and slice them open, leaving the seeds in place. Peel the garlic cloves.
Weigh the combined weight of the chillies, garlic, turmeric and ginger. Multiply by 2% (.02) to calculate the salt required for fermentation (e.g., if the combined weight is 560 g, multiply by 2%, giving you 11.2 g of salt).
Add the chillies, garlic, ginger, turmeric and salt to a clean jar. Submerge with water and weigh down with a clean lid to keep everything below the surface. Label the jar and leave it to ferment for 7–10 days in a warm environment, away from direct sunlight.
Burp the chillies every day by opening the lid to release any natural carbonation, then reseal. The water will become cloudy, and bubbles will form as fermentation progresses.
If using carrot to reduce the heat, finely slice and roast it at 200°C for 45 minutes, until soft and with a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Once fermentation is complete, drain the chillies, garlic, and ginger. Keep the brine.
Blend the chillies, garlic, ginger, turmeric roasted carrot, vinegar, syrup, tamari, salt, and pepper until super smooth. Pass through a sieve for a finer texture.
Taste and adjust seasoning to your liking by adding more vinegar, syrup, or salt.
Using a funnel, pour the sauce into bottles. This will last for many months in the fridge and makes a great gift.
This is like drinkable pistachio ice cream – it's so good and well worth trying! We also make use of the leftover pulp to create tasty Pistachio & Matcha Truffle Energy Balls. The Nama M1 nut milk maker made the whole process quick and effortless. It's beautifully designed, easy to clean, and an incredible tool for making plant-based milks at home.
Takes 10 minutesminutes
Serves 4
Ingredients
120gof pistachio nuts1 cup, shelled
700ml-1 litre of water3-4 cups, depending on desired thickness
2datespitted
Pinchsalt
1/2tspvanilla
Optional
3-4buds of dried rose
Instructions
Make sure the spout cap is closed, then pop all your ingredients into the filter basket.
Secure the lid, set the blend time to 1 minute, and hit Start!
When prompted, open the spout. After about 10 seconds, the spin cycle kicks in, and before you know it, your milk is ready to enjoy!
You can use the leftover pulp to make energy balls or pistachio truffles!
We made pistachio nut milk and used the leftover pulp to create tasty Pistachio Truffle Energy Balls with a healthier twist – made with dates and matcha. Extracting the pulp from the Nama M1 nut milk maker was so quick and effortless. It's beautifully designed, easy to clean, and an incredible tool for making plant-based milks at home.
Takes 1 hourhour10 minutesminutes
Serves 10
Ingredients
Pistachio pulpapprox 100g
100gDates
1tspVanilla extract
1tspmatcha powderoptional
150gDark Chocolatewe used 70% cacao solids
Pinchsalt
Instructions
Once you’ve extracted the pistachio pulp from the Nama M1 machine, pop it into a blender along with the dates, vanilla extract, matcha (if you’re using it), and a pinch of salt.
Blend everything until smooth and combined.
Scoop out 1 tablespoon of the mixture, roll it into a ball, and coat it in melted dark chocolate.
For an extra touch, top the chocolate-coated balls with crushed pistachios (optional). Or, if you prefer, skip the chocolate and roll them in coconut flakes instead.
Pop into the fridge for up to an hour until the chocolate sets and enjoy!
Notes
Note: You can swap the pistachio pulp for pulp from any other nuts you have on hand—this recipe is super versatile!
In this episode, we sit down with our friend Doug Evans, a pioneering health food entrepreneur and sprouting enthusiast. This is the second time we have had Doug on the show and in person, so it was a real treat.
Episode 175
Doug’s journey into sprouting began over 25 years ago, and since then, he has become a leading advocate for the nutritional benefits of sprouts. Doug is the author of The Sprout Book and a passionate educator, spreading the message about how simple, sustainable, and accessible sprouting can be for people looking to improve their health and well-being. From his early days as a co-founder of Organic Avenue to becoming a thought leader in the plant-based world, Doug has dedicated his life to empowering others to live healthier lives through whole, living foods.
Join us as Doug shares his deep knowledge about sprouts and their incredible health benefits, including how you can easily grow your own at home, no matter where you live.
Whether you’re already on a plant-based path or simply curious about improving your health, this episode will inspire you to incorporate more nutrient-rich foods into your life in an easy and affordable way.
Lots of love,
Dave & Steve
SPONSORS & DISCOUNT CODES:
Namawell Juicers are AMAZING! They have absolutely revolutionised the juicing game. We have an exclusive 10% discount for you!
VIVOBAREFOOT: Vivobarefoot Footwear have given our listeners an exclusive 20% discount and if you buy now you also get free access to their incredible course showcasing some of the biggest names in the health and wellness space.
In this episode we chat with Pete Russell, the inspiring founder of Ooooby (Out of Our Own Backyards), a platform revolutionising the way we source food by connecting small-scale, local food producers directly with consumers. Pete’s mission is to make fresh, locally-grown produce easily accessible while supporting sustainable, regenerative farming practices. With a background in food distribution and a passion for creating a more equitable food system, Pete has grown Ooooby into a global movement that champions the benefits of local food economies and community resilience.
Episode 174
Join us as Pete shares his journey from his early days in the food industry to founding Ooooby, his vision for a sustainable food future, and the challenges and triumphs he’s experienced along the way. Whether you’re passionate about local food, interested in sustainability, or curious about innovative business models, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss!
Lots of love,
Dave & Steve
SPONSORS & DISCOUNT CODES:
Namawell Juicers are AMAZING! They have absolutely revolutionised the juicing game. We have an exclusive 10% discount for you!
VIVOBAREFOOT: Vivobarefoot Footwear have given our listeners an exclusive 20% discount and if you buy now you also get free access to their incredible course showcasing some of the biggest names in the health and wellness space.
Here is our range of gluten free products as at July 2024.
Please note: The range available in store will depend on what is in stock local to the customer
Food Type
Product Name
Soup
Country Veg Soup
Soup
Tomato, Basil and Red Pepper Soup
Soup
Sweet Potato, Coconut and Ginger Soup
Soup
Carrot & Butternut Squash Soup
Soup
Hearty Veg Soup
Soup
Mushroom Soup
Sauce
Tasty Tikka Sauce
Sauce
Thai Tastic Sauce
Sauce
That’s Korma Sauce
Sauce
Lovely Lentil Bolognese Sauce
Sauce
Happy Ragu Sauce
Sauce
Spicy Cherry Tomato Sauce
Dips
Lovely Basil Pesto
Dips
Sundried Tomato Pesto
Dips
Spicy Pepper Pesto
Dips
Black Olive Tapenade
Dips
Hummus Variety Pack
Dips
Happy Hummus
Dips
Reduced Fat Hummus
Dips
Sweet Beet Hummus
Dips
Red Pepper Hummus
Dips
Caramelised Onion Hummus
Dips
Moroccan Style Hummus
Snack
Dip & Snack Happy Hummus
Snack
Dip & Snack Red Pepper Hummus
Condiments
Tomato Ketchup
Condiments
Chipotle Ketchup
Alcohol Free Beer
Hoppy Days Pale Ale
Alcohol Free Beer
High Tide Lager
Pumpkin Pie Overnight Oats with Maple-Spiced Cream & Chocolate Shell
These pumpkin pie-inspired overnight oats are blended for a wonderfully creamy texture. Topped with maple-spiced coconut yogurt and a crispy chocolate shell, this breakfast or snack will leave you craving more! Perfect for an autumnal treat that can be prepped ahead.
Takes 10 minutesminutes
Serves 2
Ingredients
Pumpkin Pie Overnight Oats
90g1 cup rolled oats
1tbspchia seeds
240ml1 cup oat milk
75g1/3 cup pumpkin purée
½tsppumpkin pie spicesee blend recipe below
1tspmaple syrup
1tspvanilla extract
Maple-Spiced Cream
1tbspmaple syrup
½tsppumpkin pie spice
6tbspcoconut yoghurtor yoghurt of choice
Garnish
50g⅓ cup choopped dark chocolate
Homemade Pumpkin Spice Blend:
3tbspground cinnamon
2tspground ginger
2tspground nutmeg
1tspground cloves
1tspground allspiceoptional
Instructions
Blend the pumpkin overnight oats:
In a blender, add 90g (1 cup) rolled oats, 1 tbsp chia seeds, 75g (1/3 cup) pumpkin purée, 240ml (1 cup) oat milk, 1 tsp maple syrup, ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice, and 1 tsp vanilla extract. Blend until smooth, then divide the mixture evenly between two glasses or jars.
Mix the maple-spiced cream:
In a small bowl, mix together 6 tbsp coconut yoghurt, 1 tbsp maple syrup, and ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice. Spoon the mixture on top of the pumpkin overnight oats in each glass.
Prepare the chocolate shell:
Melt the dark chocolate in a microwave or over a bain-marie. Carefully pour the melted chocolate on top of the cream layer in each glass, then allow it to set and harden.
Garnish and enjoy:
Sprinkle toasted pecans on top of the hardened chocolate layer. Serve immediately or store in the fridge overnight for a delicious breakfast or snack.
This quick and healthy homemade ramen takes just 10 minutes to prepare. Add boiling water for an easy lunch or dinner on the go! Use whatever fast-cooking vegetables you have on hand. This recipe makes enough for two large 1-litre jars. We adapted this recipe from our new book, The Happy Pear 20, which celebrates the best recipes of the past 20 years!
Takes 15 minutesminutes
Serves 2
Ingredients
For the base:
1red onion
2clovesof garlic
½thumb-sized piece of ginger
1bunch of scallionsgreen onions, white and green parts separated
1red chilli
1large carrot
100goyster mushrooms or chestnut mushroomsapprox 1 cup
Peel and slice the 1 red onion into thin long stips and peel and finely dice 2 cloves of garlic. Peel and finely dice the ½ thumb-sized piece of ginger. Finely chop the white and green parts of the scallions (green onions). Finely dice half the red chilli. Slice the bunch of radishes. Julienne the 1 large carrot into thin, long matchsticks. Cut the 200g smoked tofu into small cubes. Remove the 100g kale from its stalks and finely dice. Slice the 100g mushrooms into thin strips.
Fill the jars:
Divide the ingredients between 2 large 1-litre jars. First, add 1 tbsp miso paste, 2 tbsp tamari (or soy sauce), 1 tbsp sesame oil, the prepared garlic (from 2 cloves), ginger (from ½ thumb-sized piece), the red chilli, and red onion (from 1 onion). Follow with the scallions, sliced mushrooms, julienned carrots (1 large carrot), cubed tofu, kale, radishes, and 200g of quick-cooking noodles. You can arrange the ingredients as you like!
Add boiling water and serve:
Boil 1 litre (4 ¼ cups) of water. Pour the boiling water over the contents of each jar, filling them up, and let sit for 3–4 minutes. Stir occasionally. Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt, pepper, or chilli if desired. Garnish with additional fresh coriander (cilantro) and sprinkle 2 tbsp sesame seeds over the top. Enjoy your homemade pot noodle!
You can do this with any type of tea. We brew a tea, and use the wild yeast that naturally occur on the skin of fruit and veg to create natural fermentation or carbonation. We add 60g of coconut sugar or sugar of choice per litre which acts as the food for the yeast for fermentation and natural carbonation. In the recipe below we use unwaxed organic lemon, organic ginger and organic fresh turmeric which naturally has wild yeast on the skin but mix and match to what you have readily available just ensure its organic and unwaxed. (See note below for other options)
Takes 6 daysdays10 minutesminutes
Serves 4
Ingredients
2Rooibos tea bags
60gof coconut/ brown sugarapprox ¼ cup
1lemon
1thumb sized piece of ginger
½thumb sized piece of fresh turmeric
Pinchblack pepper
Instructions
Brew the tea
Boil the kettle.
Add the 2 rooibos tea bags to a 1 litre jar along with a large metal spoon and the sugar. Pour over 300-400ml of boiled water, mix well and leave to brew for 5 mins.
Add more water to bring temp down
Add another 700ml-600ml of cold water to the tea to bring the temperature down below 40 degrees C.
Finely slice the lemon, ginger and turmeric and add to the tea. Mix well. Seal the jar and leave to ferment for 3 days in indirect sunlight at room temperature.
Sieve and transfer to bottles
Sieve the tea removing any fruits or bits and using a funnel transfer to either 1L glass bottle or 2 x 500ml bottles. Leave to ferment for a further 2 days till it reaches the degree of carbonation that you are happy with. Ensure to burp these bottles each day which simply means opening the lid for 1 second to release any build up of carbonation to avoid any unwanted messes or explosions!
Enjoy!
Sweeten to your taste by adding some maple syrup or sweetener of choice and store in the fridge and enjoy!
Notes
Note on other fruit for fermentation – you can use virtually any other fruit with a skin on it just ensure that it is organically grown and does not have any wax on it. In the past we have used a wide variety of berries, apples, pears, citrus fruits and they have all worked great. We have also used some roots such as ginger & turmeric.
This is insanely tasty! Everytime we make this we are blown away with how good this dish is! It's a great way to use beetroot, and the pesto can double as a sandwich spread that will last up to a week in the fridge. Serve with your favourite pasta, and try wholemeal pasta for a healthier twist. For the brightest pink, use raw beetroot, although cooked works too!
Takes 35 minutesminutes
Serves 4
Ingredients
Beetroot Pesto
130gpine nuts1 cup
200graw beetrootchopped (1.5 cups)
1.5clovesgarlic½ tsp minced
2tbspbalsamic vinegar
150mlolive oil⅔ cup
1tspsalt
Pasta and Peas
400gdried spaghetti or pasta of choice4 cups, uncooked
100gfrozen peas¾ cup
Instructions
Preheat the oven and roast the beetroot:
Preheat your oven to 200℃ (392℉). Roughly chop 200g (1.5 cups) of beetroot into bite-sized pieces and place on a baking tray. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and drizzle with a little olive oil. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, until the beetroot is tender and slightly charred at the edges.
Cook the pasta:
Fill a medium saucepan with boiling water, add 1 tbsp salt, and bring to a rolling boil. Add 400g (4 cups) of pasta and cook according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta, but reserve some of the pasta water.
Toast the pine nuts:
Add 130g (1 cup) of pine nuts to a dry frying pan over high heat. Toast for about 5 minutes, stirring regularly until they turn golden. Remove from the heat and set aside.
Thaw the peas:
In a small bowl, cover 100g (¾ cup) of frozen peas with the reserved hot pasta water and leave to sit for 5 minutes. Drain and rinse the peas afterwards.
Prepare the beetroot pesto:
In a food processor, add the roasted beetroot, 1.5 cloves garlic (½ tsp minced), 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 150ml (⅔ cup) olive oil, and 1 tsp salt. Blend until smooth. Add the toasted pine nuts and pulse a few times, leaving them slightly chunky for texture.
Mix and serve:
Toss the cooked pasta with the beetroot pesto until fully coated. Stir in the peas and serve immediately. Enjoy this colourful and nutritious dish!
This autumn-inspired pumpkin latte blends the warmth of pumpkin, a hint of maple sweetness, and the crunch of pecans for a delicious seasonal treat. It’s easy to make and perfect for cosy mornings or as an afternoon pick-me-up.
Takes 15 minutesminutes
Serves 2
Ingredients
240mloat milk1 cup
60mlstrong brewed coffee or espresso¼ cup
60mlpumpkin purée¼ cup – homemade or canned
2tbspmaple syrup
1tsppumpkin spice
½tspvanilla extract
2tbsppecansroughly chopped
Homemade Pumpkin Spice Blend:
3tbspground cinnamon
2tspground ginger
2tspground nutmeg
1tspground cloves
1tspground allspiceoptional
Instructions
Heat the milk and pumpkin purée:
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine 240ml (1 cup) oat milk and 60ml (¼ cup) pumpkin purée. Stir constantly until heated through but not boiling, about 3–5 minutes.
Add the flavourings:
Once the oat milk is hot, stir in 2 tbsp maple syrup, 1 tsp pumpkin spice, and ½ tsp vanilla extract. Continue to heat and stir until well combined, for another 1–2 minutes.
Make the coffee:
Brew 60ml (¼ cup ) of strong coffee or espresso. Divide it equally between two mugs.
Combine and froth:
Pour the warm pumpkin milk mixture over the coffee in the mugs. Use a frother or whisk to create a light foam on top of the latte.
Top with pecans and serve:
Top each latte with a generous spoonful of whipped cream, if desired. Sprinkle with 1 tbsp roughly chopped pecans on each and a light dusting of pumpkin spice for extra flavour.
Enjoy!
Serve your pumpkin maple latte warm, and enjoy the autumn flavours with each sip.
This is one of the simplest ways to make soup, where we roast all the veg in the oven and let it do most of the work. The first time we made this soup, we used nothing but veg from the farm, celebrating the transition period from the end of summer to the start of autumn. Tomato season comes to a close, and there are so many pumpkins on the farm. We adapted this recipe from one of our favourite recipes in the Soups chapter of our new cookbook – The Happy Pear 20 which comes out in October 2024!
Takes 1 hourhour
Serves 4
Ingredients
For the soup:
200gpumpkin1 cup mashes
1kgtomatoes5 cups chopped
1head of garlic
2medium red onions
2medium carrots
1red pepperbell pepper
1x 400ml coconut milk1 ¾ cups
1litre water4 ¼ cups
1.5tspsalt
½tspblack pepper
3tbspolive oil
To garnish:
Fresh basil leaves
1tbspcoconut milk
½tspchilli flakes
Toastto serve
Instructions
Preheat the oven and prepare the vegetables:
Preheat the oven to 200°C (392°F). Slice the 200g pumpkin into thin slices. Cut the top off the 1 head of garlic to expose the cloves. Halve the 1kg tomatoes and 2 medium carrots lengthwise. Cut the 1 red pepper in half and remove the seeds and stalk. Halve the 2 medium red onions and remove the skin.
Roast the vegetables:
Place the prepared vegetables on a baking tray. Drizzle with 2 tbsp of olive oil and sprinkle with a generous pinch of salt (from the 1.5 tsp total). Roast in the preheated oven for 50 minutes, until the vegetables are soft and slightly caramelised.
Blend the soup:
Transfer the roasted vegetables, including any juices from the tray, into a blender. Add 400ml coconut milk, 1 litre of water, 1.5 tsp salt, and ½ tsp black pepper. Blend until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning to your liking by adding more salt, black pepper or chilli.
Garnish and serve:
Pour the soup into bowls. Drizzle 1 tbsp of coconut milk over each serving, add fresh basil leaves, and sprinkle ½ tsp chilli flakes for a touch of heat. Serve with toast on the side.
A truly magnificent way to have your oats for breakfast! This is like where overnight oats, granola and a beautiful berry crumble had a breakfast offspring! This is perfect as a warm winter breakfast when you feel like a treat!
Takes 40 minutesminutes
Serves 10
Ingredients
Base:
180grolled oats2 cups
100galmond flour or whole wheat flour1 cup
60mlmaple syrup or honey1/4 cup
60mlcoconut oilmelted (1/4 cup)
5mlvanilla extract1 tsp
1gcinnamon1/2 tsp
Pinchof salt
4tbspdesiccated coconut
3tbspchia seeds
3tbps peanut butter
Berry Filling:
300gmixed berriesfresh or frozen (2 cups)
20gchia seeds2 tbsp
15-30mlmaple syrup or honeyto taste (1-2 tbsp)
15mllemon juice1 tbsp
5glemon zest1 tsp
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
Make the base:
In a large bowl, mix the rolled oats, almond flour, cinnamon, chia seeds, desiccated coconut and a pinch of salt.
Add the melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir until everything is well combined.
Press the ⅗ or a little over ½ of the mixture into the bottom of the lined baking tray (24cm x 16cm x 4cm) to form an even layer.
Place in the oven for 8 mins while you prepare the berries and tidy up.
Prepare the berry filling:
In a small bowl, combine the mixed berries, lemon juice, lemon zest, and maple syrup and mix well
Assemble the bars:
Take the base out of the oven and spread the berry filling evenly over the oat base.
Add crumble topping:
Gentle sprinkle over the remaining crumble mixture across the top ensuring to cover all the berries.
Bake:
Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden and the bars are set.
Often non alcoholic cider is simply a spiced apple juice so here we wanted to apply fermentation to create more flavour, natural carbonation and also add more probiotic bacteria to improve gut health and immune system as we head into winter where colds and flus are more abundant. By not cooking the apples and allowing the juice to ferment naturally, you create a sparkling cider that's bubbly, tangy, and refreshing!
Takes 6 daysdays30 minutesminutes
Serves 10
Ingredients
20apples2kg approx
1-2cinnamon sticksoptional for flavor
1tspground clove
1x 5cm cubed piece of fresh ginger with skin on
Instructions
Juice the apples:
Juice 16 of the apples ensuring to leave 4 full apples for fermentation. Finely dice the ginger keeping the skin on. Roughly chop the remaining 4 apples leaving the skin on.
Begin Fermentation:
Pour the apple juice into a large, clean fermentation vessel (like a glass carboy or a fermenting bucket) and add the spices if you are using along with the chopped ginger and chopped apple. Leave about 10-15% headspace for bubbling during fermentation. There will be wild yeast on the apples and ginger which will start the fermentation process.
Fermenting Process:
Let the juice ferment at room temperature (ideally around 18-22°C or 64-72°F) for 3 days, depending on how dry or sweet you want the cider. Taste periodically to check progress. The longer you leave to ferment the less sweet or dryer it will become
Secondary Fermentation (for Sparkling Cider):
After the 3 days transfer the cider to bottles or bottles of choice, leaving a little room at the top of each bottle.
Seal the bottles tightly and let them sit at room temperature for 2-3 days for secondary fermentation. The yeast will consume the natural sugars and produce CO2, naturally carbonating the cider. Make sure to burp them daily to release excess gas. To burp them just open the lid for 1 second to release any extra carbonation and close the lid again.
Chill and Serve:
After 2-3 days, once you are happy with the degree of carbonation or degree of fizziness refrigerate the bottles to slow down fermentation. Let the cider chill for a day or more before serving.
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Karen Gurney, a consultant clinical psychologist and certified psychosexologist, to dive into a conversation about sexual wellbeing and how it changes throughout the course of life—especially after having children.
Dr. Gurney is a leading expert in sexual health, currently serving as Head of Wellbeing Services at the renowned 56 Dean Street clinic and Director of The Havelock Clinic in London. She is also an author, TED speaker, and regular contributor to major publications like Vogue and Marie Claire. Dr. Gurney’s latest book, How Not to Let Having Kids Ruin Your Sex Life, has opened up conversations about the realities of sex in long-term relationships and marriage, and how to maintain intimacy while navigating the challenges of parenthood.
In this insightful discussion, Dr. Gurney shares her expert advice on how couples can foster healthy sexual relationships after having children, the psychological shifts that often occur in the postpartum phase, and the impact of societal expectations on intimacy. She also offers practical tools to reframe how we think about sex in marriage and long-term partnerships, helping couples reconnect and thrive sexually despite life’s many demands.
Episode 173
Main Topics Covered:
Sex after kids: How the arrival of children can affect sexual intimacy, and how to rekindle desire while managing the pressures of parenthood.
Reframing sex in long-term relationships: The importance of shifting your mindset about sex in marriage and understanding that desire changes over time.
Common challenges faced by parents: The psychological and emotional toll of parenthood on intimacy, and how to navigate the changes as a couple.
Practical tips for maintaining a healthy sex life: Simple yet effective strategies for improving sexual wellbeing, including communication, redefining intimacy, and managing expectations.
Dr. Gurney’s new book: How Not to Let Having Kids Ruin Your Sex Life—an essential guide for couples looking to maintain connection and passion after starting a family.
Tune in for a candid, expert-driven conversation that sheds light on the realities of sex after kids, offering practical solutions for couples who want to keep their relationships intimate, vibrant, and fulfilling.
Lots of love,
Dave & Steve
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This is a healthier lower fat version of the classic where we make a delicious cheese sauce out of pumpkin. This is an amazing recipe for transitioning into the autumn season. We got a huge crop of pumpkins on the farm this year and this is one of our favourite ways to enjoy them!
Takes 30 minutesminutes
Serves 6
Ingredients
Macaroni:
300gwhole wheat or gluten-free macaroniabout 3 cups dry
Pumpkin Cheese Sauce:
300gpumpkin pureeabout 1¼ cups or freshly cooked pumpkin
60gcashew nutsabout ½ cup
3tbspnutritional yeast
240mlplant-based milk1 cup
1tbsplemon juice
1tbspDijon mustard
1cloveof garlic
½tspsmoked paprikaoptional, for a smoky flavour
Salt and pepper to taste
Breadcrumb Topping:
40gbread crumbsabout ⅓ cup
2tbspoil
Pinchsalt
2sprigs of thyme or ½ tbsp dried thyme
2tbspnutritional yeast
Instructions
Prepare the pasta: Cook the macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Make the sauce: In a blender or food processor, combine the pumpkin/ pumpkin puree, cashews, nutritional yeast, almond milk, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Heat the sauce: Pour the blended sauce into a saucepan and heat over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until the sauce thickens slightly (about 5-7 minutes). You want it to be warm but not boiling.
Prepare Bread Crumb Topping: Combine the bread crumbs with oil, salt, and either chopped fresh thyme leaves (ensure to remove leaves from stalk) or dried thyme.
Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and stir until the pasta is fully coated.
Assemble Dish: Transfer the pasta mixture to a casserole dish (24cm x 16cm x 4cm deep) , level it out, and evenly spread the bread crumb topping over it.
Bake: Bake for 5 minutes in the oven or until the bread crumbs are golden brown or 3-5 minutes in an airfryer or until the breadcrumbs go golden.
We always see pistachios as such a fancy nut! Here we make a pistachio cream which we sweeten and enrich to make it easier to blend till a silky smooth paste. Normally we don't really like matcha that much but it goes beautifully with pistachio and really strengthens the vibrant great colour without any artificial colourings! The chewing date & almond base pairs so well with the creamy pistachio and crunchy of the chocolate layer. We made ours in an ice cube tray for mini bites but you could also use a larger baking tray and cut them into squares. Serving size is for 2 small bites per person.
Takes 30 minutesminutes
Serves 12
Ingredients
Chocolate Layer
200gDark chocolate1¼ cups chopped or chips
Pistachio Cream Layer
150gshelled pistachio nuts1 cup
1tbspmatcha powder
2tbspcoconut oil
3tbspmaple syrup
1tspvanilla extract
Date Marzipan Layer
100galmonds¾ cup
150gpitted dates¾ cup packed
2tbspcoconut oil
Pinchsalt
Instructions
Melt Chocolate, layer into mould and freeze
Chop the chocolate into small pieces and melt using a bain marie or microwave.
Divide between all the squares in the mould. You want to fill each square approx ⅓ full with chocolate and use a small spoon to brush the chocolate up the sides a little so they form little cups.
Put the chocolate filled moulds into the freezer so the chocolate hardens for 15 mins.
Make pistachio layer and layer on
Add the shelled pistachio nuts to a food processor along with the coconut oil, maple syrup and vanilla extract and blend till it forms a silky smooth pistachio butter. This will take a few mins and if your food processor is heating up give it a little break.
Once the chocolate is set, remove from the freezer and spoon a small amount of the pistachio butter onto each square. Again it should fill approx ⅓ of each cup, so now with the chocolate and pistachio butter the cups in the mould should be ⅔ full.
Blend nuts and dates
Clean the food processor bowl and blend the almonds until they reach a bread crumb like consistency. Add the pitted dates and coconut oil and pinch of salt and blend until they come together into a smooth unified ball. This should take 2-3 mins.
Fill and cool to set
Carefully divide this mixture between each of the squares, filling each one.
Put in the fridge to set for 20 mins before removing each square and enjoying!
Notes
If you don’t have a silicone mould, you can use a regular baking tray and cut them into squares.
Packed full of electrolytes and nutrition to keep you going! We made this for running the Wicklow Way which is 130 km over 2 days. We made lots of this to keep us hydrated and packed with nutrition on our run. It's easy to make and genuinely tastes magnificent! We used the larger hopper on our Nama J2 juicer which makes bulk juicing so much easier!
Takes 20 minutesminutes
Serves 10
Ingredients
4½cupsbeet juiceor juice from 6 medium beets
100gspinach or kale3 cups
2cucumbers
2large oranges
4applesapprox 600g
2lemons
6-inchpiece of fresh ginger
6cmof Fresh turmeric or 1 tsp dried turmeric
Pinchblack pepper
1½tspsea salt or Himalayan salt
6tbspapple cider vinegar
1Litre coconut water
4tbspChia seeds – Omega-3 fatty acidsfibre, calcium, magnesium, and antioxidants. Chia seeds will absorb liquid and form a gel, which adds texture and helps with hydration.
Tart cherry juice 240ml/ 1 cup – This will provide anti-inflammatory and muscle recovery properties
Instructions
Make the base juice: Peel the lemons and oranges. Juice the beet, kale, cucumbers, apples, oranges and lemon along with the ginger and turmeric.
Add the rest of the ingredients: To the juice add the black pepper to help with the absorption of the main antioxidant in the curcuman in the turmeric, the coconut water, apple cider vinegar, chia seeds and the tart cherry juice.
This drink is the perfect balance between sweet and savoury and it literally looks like blood. That is part of the reason why beetroot juice is so good and helps dilate your blood vessels encouraging optimum oxygen delivery!
In this episode we are joined by the brilliant Patrick Holford, a leading voice in the world of nutrition and alternative health. With over 36 books translated into 29 languages and decades of experience, Patrick is a British author, entrepreneur, and advocate for nutritional therapy. His work has helped shape modern views on the power of food and supplements to transform health, with regular appearances on UK and international television and radio.
In this engaging conversation, Patrick shares his wisdom on how to take control of your health through diet, lifestyle, and nutritional supplements. The episode dives deep into Patrick’s holistic approach to wellbeing, offering practical advice on how to implement small changes that make a big impact. From boosting brain power to supporting your immune system, Patrick’s insights are invaluable for anyone looking to improve their overall health.
Episode 172
Main Topics Covered:
Patrick’s personal health journey and how he became an advocate for nutritional therapy.
The connection between food, brain function, and mental health.
How to enhance your immune system naturally.
The role of supplements in modern diets—what to take and what to avoid.
Practical tips on achieving optimal health through simple dietary changes.
The science behind a low glycemic diet and how it can transform your energy levels.
How stress impacts your body and what you can do to mitigate its effects.
Whether you’re new to alternative nutrition or a seasoned wellness enthusiast, this episode offers valuable takeaways that can help you live a healthier, more balanced life.
Lots of love,
Dave & Steve
SPONSORS & DISCOUNT CODES:
Namawell Juicers are AMAZING! They have absolutely revolutionised the juicing game. We have an exclusive 10%
VIVOBAREFOOT: Vivobarefoot Footwear have given our listeners an exclusive 20% discount and if you buy now you also get free access to their incredible course showcasing some of the biggest names in the health and wellness space.
This soup celebrates autumn and the harvest wonderfully. We grew 4 different varieties of pumpkins on the farm this year and this is one of our favourite ways to enjoy them. It is the ultimate comforting soup and a great way to use any leftover pumpkin.
Takes 30 minutesminutes
Serves 10
Ingredients
2medium pumpkinsapprox 2kg
4carrots
1onion
10gfresh ginger
3clovesgarlic
1red chilli
1x 400g tin of coconut milk1.75 cups approx.
2Lwaterapprox 8.5 cups
2tbspsalt
2tbsptamari
1lemon
Instructions
Prep the veg
Peel and dice the onion, garlic and ginger. Carefully chop the pumpkins, remove the seeds and slice into bite sized pieces leaving the skin on. Finely dice ½ red chilli.
Slice the carrots into rounds that are approx 1cm thick
Cook your base flavours
In a large saucepan approx 5L add 1 tbsp of oil and put on high heat. Once hot add in the onion and ginger and cook for 3-4 mins. Add in the garlic and chili and cook for a further 3 mins.
Add in the carrots and pumpkin
Next add in the sliced carrot and pumpkin followed by a generous pinch of salt and mix well. Add in 3 tbsp of water and mix well, reduce the heat to medium and put the lid on and leave to sweet for 5 mins without stirring.
Add in the rest of ingredients
Add in the water, coconut milk, tamari and juice of ½ lemon and bring to a boil and leave to boil for 5 mins stirring occasionally.
Blend till smooth
Using an immersion blender or stick blender blend the soup till super smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking by trying to balance out the flavours by adding more salt, black pepper, lemon juice, tamari or chilli.
Serve and enjoy
Serve with some fresh sourdough and a drizzle of coconut milk and enjoy!
Elderberries are the fruit of the elderflower from the mighty elder tree. They are in season in autumn in Ireland, and have to be cooked to consume. Here we cook them with chicory root syrup which is a sweetener that is packed with fibre (54g fibre per 100g) which really brings a serious prebiotic quality. Then through the fermentation process we develop some natural bacteria from the yeast that occur on the apples, lemon and ginger to develop natural carbonation and a probiotic hit to help with gut health.
Takes 6 daysdays30 minutesminutes
Serves 8
Ingredients
200gElderberriesapprox.1.5 cups
2litres Water8 cups
250gChicory root syrup1.25 cups/ maple syrup/ date syrup/ brown rice syrup
1tbspcinnamon
2apples
1lemon organic
1pieceof fresh gingerabout 5 cm, unpeeled
Instructions
Pick and Clean elderberries : pick the elderberries and give them a good wash.
Boil the elderberries with the syrup: In a large saucepan add 500ml of just boiled water along with the chicory root syrup, 1 tbsp cinnamon and the elderberries and bring to a boil, once boiling reduce to a simmer and leave to cook for 30 mins. Give it the occasional stir to avoid it catching and burning.
Cool the Water: Add the remaining 1.5 litres (6 cups) of cold water to a fermentation jar or big pot along with the elderberry mixture and leave to cool the mixture down to lukewarm temperature (below 40 degrees celsius)
Prepare the fruit and leave to bulk ferment: Chop the apple, lemon and ginger. And add to the fermentation jar or elderberry mixture along with the 2 tbsp of white wine vinegar and give them a gentle mix.
Start Fermentation:
Cover and Ferment: Close the jar or cover the bowl with a clean cloth and let it sit at room temperature for 2-3 days. Stir the mixture once a day. You should start to see some bubbles forming, indicating that fermentation has begun.
Bottle and start secondary Fermentation:
Strain and Bottle: After 2-3 days, strain the liquid through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into clean, sterilised bottles. Make sure to squeeze the elderberries to draw out all the flavour you can. Seal the bottles tightly.
Ferment Further: Leave the bottled probiotic elderberry soda at room temperature for another 3-4 days to build up carbonation, ensuring to burp or release excess gas every day. To burp just open the lid for 1-2 seconds and close it.
Serve:
Final taste – taste and once you are happy with the degrees of fizziness transfer to the fridge to stop the fermentation.
Serve: Carefully open the bottles to release the built-up carbonation, pour into glasses, and enjoy your naturally fizzy, alcohol-free elderflower champagne!
Notes
Fermentation Time: The fermentation time may vary depending on the temperature and yeast activity. Monitor the bottles carefully to avoid over-carbonation. If the room is warmer, fermentation time will be quicker and if the room temperature is cooler it will take longer.
Safety: Use sturdy bottles designed for carbonation to prevent any risk of explosion.
This is so easy to make and is genuinely delicious! There is approx 40g of protein per serving, we served this with some chilli flakes, a drizzle of olive oil and some crushed pistachios for a pop of colour and crunch! If you don’t have red lentil pasta you can use wholewheat instead which brings the protein content to approximately 29g per serving.
Takes 8 minutesminutes
Serves 2
Ingredients
Pasta Sauce:
200gfirm Tofu
100gRoasted red pepper
50gCashew nuts
2tbspolive oil
3tbspPasta water
2tbspspicy red pepper pesto/ harissa or pesto of choice
Salt to taste
Pasta:
200gred lentil pasta
Instructions
Start by filling a large saucepan with water and add 2 tbsp of salt and bring to a boil. Cook the pasta as per the pack instructions.
To a blender add the roasted red pepper, tofu, cashew nuts, oil, spicy red pepper pesto and 2 tbsp of pasta water and blend till smooth.
Drain and rinse the pasta and add back to the pan along with the sauce and cook on medium heat until it is hot.
Taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking.
Serve with some chilli flakes and a drizzle of olive oil for a delicious meal.
Notes
We’ve used red lentil pasta for an additional protein boost, but you can also just use whole meal or pasta of choice. The protein content with wheat pasta is approx 29g per serving.
This is a great way to add more greens into your meals in a delicious and vibrant way! The greens are steamed quickly and blended with coconut milk and spices to create a creamy, flavourful sauce. It’s a simple and satisfying dish that can be ready in just 10 minutes.
Takes 10 minutesminutes
Serves 2
Ingredients
Base Sauce:
2clovesof garlic
A thumb-sized piece of gingerapprox. 1 tablespoon minced
½a bunch of scallionsgreen onions (approx. 4)
½green chilli
2tablespoonscurry powder
2teaspoonsground cumin
1teaspoonsalt
2tablespoonstamarisoy sauce
1tablespoonmaple syrupor liquid sweetener of choice
½teaspoonblack pepper
1x 400g tin of coconut milkkeep 3-4 tbsp for garnish
Juice of ¾ of a lime
Supergreens:
100gbaby spinachapprox. 4 cups or rocket (arugula) (approx. 4 cups)
100gbroccoliapprox. 1 cup florets
1small courgettezucchini (approx. 1 cup, chopped)
Beans & Pulses
1x 400g tin of butter beansapprox. 1¾ cups
1x 400g tin of cooked lentilsapprox. 1¾ cups
Optional
10-15cherry tomatoes
To Garnish:
Chilli flakes
Pickled red onion
A small bunch of fresh coriandercilantro or other fresh herbs of choice
Instructions
Prepare the aromatics:
Peel and finely chop 2 cloves of garlic and a 10g (0.35 oz) piece of ginger. Finely chop 4 scallions (green onions), removing any limp outer leaves, and chop ½ a green chilli.
Drain the beans and lentils:
Drain and rinse the 400g (14 oz) tin of butter beans and 400g (14 oz) tin of cooked lentils thoroughly.
Prepare the vegetables:
Chop 10-15 cherry tomatoes in half. Finely dice 100g (3.5 oz) of broccoli and 1 small courgette (zucchini).
Steam the greens:
Fill and boil the kettle, then pour it over 100g (3.5 oz) of baby spinach (or rocket), the diced broccoli, and the diced courgette. Leave to sit for 5 minutes with a lid on.
Blend the sauce:
Drain the spinach, broccoli, and courgette, then add them to a blender along with 1 x 400g (14 oz) tin of coconut milk (reserving 3-4 tbsp for garnish), ¾ lime juice, 2 tablespoons of curry powder, 2 teaspoons of ground cumin, 1 teaspoon of salt, 2 tablespoons of tamari/ soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of maple syrup, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Blend until smooth.
Cook the sauce:
Pour the blended sauce into a medium saucepan or frying pan and heat on high heat. Taste and adjust seasoning to your liking.
Add the remaining ingredients:
Once the sauce is warm, add the drained butter beans, lentils, and halved cherry tomatoes. Stir to combine.
Simmer the curry:
Bring the curry to a boil, stirring occasionally to ensure it doesn’t stick to the pan. Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer for 2 minutes.
Garnish and serve:
Remove the curry from the heat and garnish with chilli flakes, pickled red onions, and freshly chopped coriander (cilantro). Serve hot.
This is a method based on a fermented Mexican drink called Tapache where pineapple skins are fermented to create a pineapple style beer. Wild blackberries which are in season in Autumn in Ireland and are abundant in the hedgerows. This soda uses the natural yeasts on the blackberries and in the air for gentle fermentation, resulting in a slightly fizzy, bright magnificent beverage. We were so amazed by the complexity of flavour that developed in such a short fermentation time!
Takes 6 daysdays30 minutesminutes
Serves 8
Ingredients
200gblackberries
2litreswater8 cups
250gSugar1.25 cups
2tbspWhite wine vinegar
Instructions
Pick and Clean blackberries : pick the blackberries but do not rinse as the natural yeasts on them are essential for fermentation.
Boil the Water and sugar: In a large bowl add 500ml of just boiled water along with the sugar and give it a good stir until all the sugar has dissolved.
Cool the Water: Add the remaining 1.5 litres (6 cups) of cold water to the bowl to cool the mixture down to lukewarm temperature.
Add blackberries and vinegar: Add the blackberries, and 2 tbsp of white wine vinegar to the sugar water mixture and give them a gentle mix.
Transfer to a large jar or bowl
Start Fermentation:
Cover and Ferment: Close the jar or cover the bowl with a clean cloth and let it sit at room temperature for 2-3 days. Stir the mixture once a day. You should start to see some bubbles forming, indicating that fermentation has begun.
Bottle and start secondary Fermentation:
Strain and Bottle: After 2-3 days, strain the liquid through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into clean, sterilised bottles. Make sure to squeeze the blackberries to draw out all the flavour you can. Seal the bottles tightly.
Ferment Further: Leave the bottled blackberry champagne at room temperature for another 3-4 days to build up carbonation, ensuring to burp or release excess gas every day. To burp just open the lid for 1-2 seconds and close it.
Serve:
Final taste – taste and once you are happy with the degrees of fizziness transfer to the fridge to stop the fermentation.
Serve: Carefully open the bottles to release the built-up carbonation, pour into glasses, and enjoy your naturally fizzy, alcohol-free elderflower champagne!
Notes
Fermentation Time: The fermentation time may vary depending on the temperature and yeast activity. Monitor the bottles carefully to avoid over-carbonation. If the room is warmer, fermentation time will be quicker and if the room temperature is cooler it will take longer.
Safety: Use sturdy bottles designed for carbonation to prevent any risk of explosion.
This recipe harnesses natural fermentation, providing a delightful fizzy drink without any added yeast. Enjoy!
This is an incredibly tasty start to the day or makes a perfect pick-me-up any time of day. It's a great way to make a delicious healthy snack and it works great as a light dessert. Steve’s kids adore this in summertime when strawberries are in season, but you can easily make it year-round using whatever fruit is in season. This was a recipe we tried when developing recipes for the plant-based breakfasts chapter of our new cookbook, The Happy Pear 20.
Takes 15 minutesminutes
Serves 2
Ingredients
Creamy Overnight Oat Mix
100goat flakes1 cup
150mloat milk⅔ cup
100mlyoghurtplant-based (⅓ cup + 1 tbsp)
3tbspchia seeds
½tspvanilla extract
Pinchof salt
Cashew Biscuit Base
100gcashew nuts¾ cup
1tbspcoconut oil
1tbspmaple syrup
Pinchof salt
Decoration
200gfresh strawberries1 ½ cups, sliced
Instructions
Make overnight oat base
Combine all the ingredients for the overnight oats in a bowl, mix well and leave to sit for 5 mins while you make the rest of the elements
Make cashew biscuit base
Roughly chop the cashew nuts and heat a non stick pan on medium heat, toast the cashew nuts for 5-8 mins stirring regularly until they start to go golden brown, add the coconut oil and maple syrup and mix to coat each nut, cook for a further minute and remove from the heat and transfer to a plate to cool.
Slice the strawberries
Slice the strawberries lengthways
Layer up 2 glasses
To layer up, take 2 x 250ml glasses and the key here is that there will be 6 layers.
Start with a layer of the cashew biscuit base, next add a small layer of overnight oats, followed by sliced strawberries, make sure to push the sliced strawberries against the glass and follow them all the way around. Fill any gaps with some more strawberries, and begin the next layer once again with the cashew base, next overnight oats, and finish with another layer of sliced strawberries and a nice dollop of coconut yoghurt on top. Decorate with a sprinkle of the cashews and some sliced strawberries on top. Enjoy!
Back in 2004, we opened a little veg shop in our home town of Greystones with a dream of starting a plant-powered revolution! For 20 years, The Happy Pear has been all about spreading health, happiness, and seriously delicious food. With over 15 million products sold, 6 bestselling cookbooks, and 15+ online courses under our belts, we’ve learnt so much on our journey!
Now, we’re hitting the road with our new book, The Happy Pear 20: Recipes and Learnings From the First 20 Years. Get ready for a fun-filled tour packed with stories from our wild journey, tips for better living, and cooking demos (at select spots!). Come join us as we dish out wisdom, laughs, and plenty of plant-based goodness!
Yogurt is traditionally made through fermenting cow or goats milk, but you can make a plant-based version using a similar fermentation method and flavour to your own taste. The beautiful thing about this framework is once you get the basics of it the possibilities for your yogurt creations are infinite! Here we’ve used soy yogurt, using a few spoons of store-bought soy yogurt as the starter culture, but you can easily swap out for another plant-based yogurt of your choice. We have a whole section dedicated to yogurt making on our fermentation course – join our Whole Health Tribe to learn more!
Takes 3 daysdays5 minutesminutes
Serves 8
Ingredients
1litreapprox 4 cups of plant-based milk (we used soy)
4tablespoonsof plant-based yogurtwe used soy
Instructions
Mix together your plant-based milk and 4 tablespoons of plant-based yogurt in a sterile jar.
Leave to ferment at room temperature for 3-4 days. The longer you leave it to ferment the more acidic it will become.The milk should have thickened up and be yogurt-like.
Once you are happy with the texture and degree of acidity, add any sweeteners or flavour agents. Simply mix through and taste and adjust to your taste.
Store in the fridge for up to a week. The yogurt will continue to ferment just at a slower rate. Taste and adjust any seasoning till you reach a flavour you like.
We were so excited with this and absolutely delighted with the results. It properly tastes like cola and even Steve’s kids couldn't get enough of this! This recipe utilises the natural wild yeasts found on the skins of organic fruits to create a naturally fermented cola. The fruits are added after the liquid base has cooled to ensure the wild yeast remains active. If you want to learn more about fermentation, we have lots of amazing recipes just like this as part of our Fermentation Course – available to our Whole Health Tribe members
Takes 7 daysdays40 minutesminutes
Serves 8
Ingredients
Fruits and Vegetables:
1medium appleorganic, unwashed, for wild yeast
1medium orangeorganic, unwashed
1lemonorganic, unwashed
1limeorganic, unwashed
1pieceof fresh gingerabout 5 cm, unpeeled
Flavourings:
1cinnamon stick
1vanilla beansplit
4star anise pods
2cloves
1tablespooncoriander seeds
1teaspoonallspice berries or ground allspice
350gapprox. 2.5 cups frozen or fresh cherries
Sweetener:
250g1.25 cups brown sugar (you could also use coconut sugar)
Water:
2litres8.5 cups filtered water
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients:
Roughly chop the apple, orange, lemon, and lime, keeping the peels on as they contain wild yeasts. Remove the stone from the cherries if using fresh cherries
Slice the ginger thinly.
Make the Base:
In a large pot, combine the cinnamon stick, vanilla bean, star anise, cloves, coriander seeds, pitted cherries and allspice berries. Next add in the brown sugar
Add the filtered water and bring to a boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20-30 minutes to extract the flavours.
Leave to cool to room temperature or below 38 degrees C so that the yeast stays alive.
Add the Fruits for Fermentation:
Once the base has cooled to room temperature, transfer it to a large, clean glass jar or fermentation vessel.
Add the chopped apple, orange, lemon, lime, and ginger to the jar. The fruits should be added unwashed to ensure the wild yeast on their skins remains intact.
Cover the jar with a clean cloth or cheesecloth secured with a rubber band to allow airflow while preventing contaminants.
Place the jar in a warm, dark place (around 20-25°C / 68-77°F) for 2-4 days, stirring occasionally. You’ll start to see bubbles forming, indicating fermentation.
Strain and Bottle:
After the fermentation period, strain out the solids using a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth.
Pour the liquid into clean, airtight bottles, leaving some headspace at the top.
Seal the bottles and let them ferment at room temperature for another 1-3 days, checking daily for carbonation. Be careful with pressure buildup in the bottles to prevent them from exploding.
Refrigerate and Serve:
Once the desired level of carbonation is achieved, refrigerate the bottles to slow down the fermentation.
Serve chilled and enjoy your naturally fermented cola!
This is a delicious chilli paste that packs a punch and makes a great condiment. It goes great on sandwiches, as a spicy dip or as the basis of any sauce. The fermentation process mellows the flavours and brings them together. It also creates a lovely acidity. We added some wild pineapple weed to give this chilli paste an extra note but feel free to use your favourite herb of choice, it's important to season after the fermentation process to balance out this dip.
Takes 7 daysdays15 minutesminutes
Serves 10
Ingredients
150gchilliabout 1 cup
150ggarlicabout 1 cup
20gHerbs of choice – we used pineapple weedcoriander, parsley, basil, or chive would work great (about ⅓ cup)
6gsaltabout 1 tsp
To season after fermentation
4tbspTamari
7tbspMaple syrup
4tbspolive oil
6tbspvinegar
1tspsalt
Instructions
Make the Sauce
Peel the garlic and roughly chop the chillies, if you are using any herbs, roughly chop them.
Add the chilli, garlic, salt and herbs to a food processor or blender and blend till smooth.
Transfer to a jar with a lid and add in the paste and cover tightly with the lid.
Leave to ferment for a week.
Season:
After the week’s fermentation, taste to understand how the fermentation has altered the flavours. The flavours should have mellowed and it should have developed some acidity.
We seasoned ours by adding all our seasoning ingredients – mix well and enjoy!
This tastes like an indulgent breakfast but is actually quite healthy, Steves's kids adored this one and thought it was properly a dessert! These are perfect for back-to-school season or when you just want a sweet treat that’s also nutritious. This was a brilliant recipe that we trialled for the breakfast section of our new cookbook, The Happy Pear 20. Preorder here: https://thehappypear.ie/articles/pre-order-the-happy-pear-20/
Takes 25 minutesminutes
Serves 2
Ingredients
Overnight Oat Mix:
50goat flakes½ cup
1.5tbspcocoa powder
1tbspalmond butter or nut butter of choice
100mloat milk⅓ cup
1tspvanilla extract
1-2tbspmaple syrup
Pinchof salt
Garnish:
To serve: 200g coconut yoghurt or yoghurt of choice¾ – 1 cup
To garnish: 2 tbsp chocolate chips or cocoa nibs
Instructions
Combine all the overnight oat mix together in a bowl and whisk it together with a fork.
Leave to sit for 20 minutes or overnight in the fridge.
Divide the mix in 2 between 2 glasses leaving half of them free for the yoghurt.
Divide the yoghurt between the 2 glasses and smooth it out.
This gets so fizzy and is really elegant, it's one of Steve’s favourite drinks. It's surprisingly easy to make and the longer you leave it to ferment the more fizzy it becomes and also the less sweet it is.
Takes 6 daysdays20 minutesminutes
Serves 10
Ingredients
For the Ginger Bug:
50gfresh gingerfinely grated (about 2 inches),
50ggranulated sugarabout 1/4 cup
500mlwater2 cups
For the Ginger Beer:
100gfresh gingerfinely grated (about 4 inches)
150gbrown sugar / coconut sugar3/4 cup
Juice of 2 lemons
2litres water8 cups
120mlor 1/2 cup ginger bug liquidstrained
Additional water for topping upif needed
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ginger Bug
Day 1: In a clean jar, combine 50g of grated ginger and 50g of sugar with 500ml (2 cups) of water. Stir well to dissolve the sugar. Cover the jar with a cloth or paper towel secured with a rubber band to allow airflow while keeping out dust and insects.
Days 2-5: Each day, add 1 tablespoon of grated ginger and 1 tablespoon of sugar to the jar, stirring well each time. After 3-5 days, you should notice bubbles forming, indicating that the ginger bug is active and ready to use.
Step 2: Make the Ginger Beer
Brew a strong sweet ginger tea : In a large pot, combine 100g of grated ginger, 150g of sugar, and 500ml (2 cups) of water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes to extract the ginger flavour.
Cool the Mixture: Remove the pot from heat and add in the remaining 1.5 litres of water to allow the ginger mixture to cool to room temperature.
Add the Ginger Bug: Add approx about 1/2 cup of your ginger beer, don’t worry if you include osme of the ginger pieces, this will just add to the ginger flavour.
Ferment the Ginger Beer:
Pour the cooled ginger tea mixture into a large, clean plastic or glass bottle (leaving some space at the top for expansion).
Add the juice of 2 lemons and the ginger bug liquid.
Seal the bottle with a tight lid and let it sit at room temperature for 2 to 3 days.
2nd fermentation to increase carbonation:
Strain and using a funnel pour into smaller bottles, approx 250-500ml bottle with lids, close the lids and leave to ferment at room temperature for 2-3 days ensuring to burp each day to prevent them overflowing due to excess carbonation
Monitor Fermentation: Check the bottle daily. When it feels firm to the touch (indicating carbonation), carefully open it to release some pressure, then reseal. If it’s very fizzy, move it to the refrigerator to slow down the fermentation.
Step 3: Serve and Enjoy
Once chilled, your ginger beer is ready to drink! Serve it over ice and enjoy the refreshing, naturally fizzy ginger beer.
Tips:
Ginger Bug Care: You can keep your ginger bug alive by continuing to feed it with ginger and sugar every few days. Store it in the refrigerator if you’re not using it regularly, and take it out to feed before using it again.
Customise Flavour: Adjust the amount of ginger and sugar in the ginger beer according to your taste preferences.
In this enlightening episode, we are thrilled to welcome Gaia Ferreira, an internationally renowned speaker, life coach, and author, celebrated for her profound work in personal development, wellness, and mindfulness. With over two decades of experience, Gaia has guided countless individuals on their journey towards a more fulfilled and balanced life. Her approach integrates a deep understanding of human behaviour with practical strategies that empower people to unlock their full potential.
Episode 171
Gaia’s expertise spans a wide range of topics, from mastering mindfulness to cultivating resilience, and her teachings have inspired a global audience to embrace a more conscious and intentional way of living. In this conversation, Gaia shares her invaluable insights and practical advice, making this episode a must-listen for anyone seeking personal growth and a deeper connection with themselves.
Main Topics Covered:
The Power of Mindfulness: Gaia discusses how mindfulness can transform your everyday life, offering practical tips to incorporate mindfulness into your daily routine.
Building Resilience: Learn how to develop mental and emotional resilience to navigate life’s challenges more effectively.
Personal Development Strategies: Gaia shares key strategies for personal growth, including goal-setting, habit formation, and the importance of self-awareness.
The Mind-Body Connection: Explore the profound connection between mental and physical well-being, and how nurturing this relationship can lead to a more balanced and healthy life.
Overcoming Limiting Beliefs: Gaia delves into the common limiting beliefs that hold us back and offers guidance on how to overcome them to achieve your full potential.
The Role of Gratitude: Discover the transformative power of gratitude and how it can shift your mindset to a more positive and abundant state.
Gaia’s Personal Journey: Get a glimpse into Gaia’s own path of self-discovery and how her experiences have shaped her approach to coaching and teaching.
Join us for an inspiring and transformative conversation that will leave you equipped with the tools and insights to elevate your life. Whether you’re at the beginning of your personal development journey or looking to deepen your practice, this episode with Gaia Ferreira offers wisdom and guidance for all stages of the path.
Lots of love,
Dave & Steve
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They are super easy to make and only have fruit in the centre so are a healthier treat to be enjoyed on warm days! We make these using the sorbet attachment of our nama J2 juicer. You could easily eat the sorbet just as it is as a healthier alternative to ice cream or a yummy sweet fruit breakfast bowl! You can get 10% off with the code HAPPYPEAR10 at checkout.
Takes 1 hourhour20 minutesminutes
Serves 8
Ingredients
1x 300g packet of frozen raspberries2.5 cups
3frozen bananas
Silicone ‘magnum’ ice cream type moulds
Wooden ice cream sticks
200gdark chocolate1.25 cups
Instructions
Make the sorbet: Put the frozen fruit into the hopper of your Nama juicer with the sorbet attachment in place, close the lid to the hopper and turn it on to process. Alternatively you could try blending the fruit using a food processor or blender.
Fill the sorbet into the moulds: Using a tablespoon spread the raspberry sorbet into the silicone moulds, being sure to spread them out and fill each mould fully.
Add the ice cream sticks: Insert an ice cream stick into each mould.
Freeze the raspberry layer: Place the silicone moulds with the raspberry sorbet in the freezer and freeze for 4 hours.
Melt the chocolate: melt the chocolate using a water bath/bain-marie or by heating in a microwave.
Dip the Raspberry sorbet ice creams in the melted chocolate: Dip each raspberry sorbet ice creams individually in the melted chocolate making sure to cover all sides.
Leave to set on some baking parchment: The chocolate should set almost immediately, if not leave to set on the baking parchment. If necessary return to the freezer.
Dandelions are a superfood that most people think are just weeds. The leaves can be eaten and can taste similar to rocket or arugula. The roots can be roasted to make a delicious coffee alternative that is caffeine free. This is surprisingly delicious and by making it yourself you can control the roast profile and add some spices to bring more dimensions of flavour!
Takes 1 hourhour
Serves 2
Ingredients
400gdandelion rootsapprox 3 cups
Instructions
Harvest and Clean the Roots
Harvest the Roots: Dig up dandelion roots from an area free of pesticides and other contaminants. The best time to harvest is in the fall or early spring when the roots are most nutrient-dense.
Clean the Roots: Thoroughly wash the roots to remove dirt and debris. Use a brush to scrub them clean under running water.
Prepare the Roots
Chop the Roots: Cut the cleaned roots into small, uniform pieces. The smaller the pieces, the faster and more evenly they will roast.
Dry the Roots: Spread the chopped roots on a baking sheet and leave them in a dry, well-ventilated area for a few days, or until they are completely dry. This can also be done in a dehydrator at a low temperature.
Roast the Roots
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Roast the Roots: Spread the dried dandelion root pieces evenly on a baking sheet. Place the sheet in the preheated oven.
Monitor the Roasting: Roast the roots for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even roasting. The roots should turn dark brown and have a coffee-like aroma. Be careful not to burn them.
Cool the Roots: Once roasted, remove the roots from the oven and let them cool completely.
Grind and Brew
Grind the Roots: Use a coffee grinder to grind the roasted roots into a fine powder. Store the ground roots in an airtight container.
Brew the Coffee: To make dandelion root coffee, use about 1-2 tablespoons of the ground root per cup of water. Brew it just like regular coffee using a French press, coffee maker, or by simmering it on the stove for 10-15 minutes and then straining.
Tips
Adjust the Roast: You can adjust the roasting time depending on your preference for a lighter or darker roast.
Add Flavour: Consider adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg during brewing for extra flavour.
Last week I wrote about the idea of becoming more embodied, of moving more from our heads back into our multisensory bodies. This week I wanted to get really practical and give you some ideas of some ways to become more embodied.
5,4,3,2,1 sensory game
A lovely exercise I often do when walking down the street is the 5-4-3-2-1 sensory awareness game. This simple but powerful practice helps shift my attention away from the constant chatter of the mind and back into the rich, multisensory experience of the present moment.
It works like this: First, I take a moment to slowly look around and notice 5 things that I can see. Then I focus on 4 things that I can hear, these might be a car passing by, a bird singing in the distance, a cat meowing, someone speaking across the street. Next is to become aware of 3 things that I can feel via touch, the clothes I am wearing, the feel of my feet in my shoes, are there any subtle pains in my body.
Moving on I tune into 2 things I can smell, it can be a passerby’s perfume, the scent of a flower, a lovely dinner smell wafting out of a neighbours house. Our sense of smell is deeply connected to the limbic system, the emotional control centre of the brain, so engaging it can evoke a sense of grounding and calm. Finally, I try to identify 1 distinct taste in my mouth, even if it’s just the subtle flavour of my own saliva, this is often the hardest!
This simple 5-4-3-2-1 practice is a lovely way to interrupt the constant flow of our thoughts and tune into the immediacy of our physical experience. By systematically engaging each of our senses, we can cultivate a greater sense of presence, connection, and embodied awareness in our daily lives.
Breath
I remember Steve & I went interrailing across Europe one summer when we were in College. We were sitting in a train carriage travelling across the Czech Republic and quite a mystical guy entered our carriage. He had a vibe going on, he was really present and there was something very alluring about him. I remember he was Swiss and he told us about a 10 day silent meditation retreat he had been on called Vipassana that had transformed his life for the better..
At the time, Steve and I were the quintessential searchers, searching for more meaning so naturally we both felt drawn toward this! A year later we were volunteering in one of these Vipassana meditation centres in Massachusetts for a number of months and we had both sat one of these 10 day silent meditation retreats. The crux of the practice from my understanding was that the breath is the most immediate access point that we have to becoming present and aware of the vast world of sensations that you feel on your body at any moment. While you are reading this, right now, become more aware of your breath, are you breathing shallow or deep? Are your breaths long or short? As you tune into your breath, very often you can become aware of the subtle flow of energy around your body.
I believe the breath provides the easiest way to get ‘out of your head’ and ‘back in your body’. I wrote a previous happier Column on Breath and the opportunity tuning into our breath more can have. This primal life force flowing through us becomes a gateway, reminding us that we are not just disembodied minds, but fully embodied, sensing creatures. Meditation and mindfulness are two practices that typically use the breath as a touchstone to becoming very aware of all the sensations that are happening in your body here and now. That is why meditation, mindfulness and any form of breathwork can be incredible tools at reconnecting you and bringing you back into your body.
Dance
My daughters have regularly referred to my dance skills as deeply embarrassing! Both Steve and me in our heads are fantastic dancers but in reality we are usually perceived as wild lunatics! Our brother Mark is a DJ, back when we were in our 20’s Mark used to DJ in nightclubs in Dublin and we used to love to go support him. We would take our veg van and head in for the night, sleep in the van after and then go straight to Dublin fruit market at 5am! I remember so distinctly, Steve and I were such enthusiastic dancers that we would get a tap on the shoulder consistently and a young guy would say to us ‘mate, do you have any pills’?!! We didn’t drink or take any pills, we just loved the feeling of letting loose on the dance floor and literally losing ourselves to the music.
Dancing is one of the most ancient and universal forms of human expression, with a rich history that stretches back thousands of years across cultures. From ritual dances performed to honour the divine, to joyful celebrations marking rites of passage, to communal festivities that bring people together – dance has long been inextricably woven into the fabric of the human experience. Psychologically, the act of moving our bodies in sync with music has been shown to stimulate the release of endorphins, foster a sense of connection, and induce altered states of consciousness – all of which can contribute to a profound experience of embodied freedom and transcendence.
As a 44-year-old man who grew up primarily focused on sports, dancing did not come as naturally to me. However, after giving up alcohol at age 21, I found myself turning to dance as a way to stay energised and engaged at parties, rather than simply sitting on the sidelines. Over the years, I’ve come to deeply appreciate dance as one of the greatest joys that exist. When you lose yourself to the rhythm and flow of the music, the sense of freedom and unity that arises is truly second to none. Whereas many adults only dance a few times a year, such as at weddings after copious amounts of alcohol, I believe dance is an essential human experience that can help us fully engage our bodies and spirits, lifting us up in a deeply embodied way.
Growing some of your food
Last week I started sprouting again. I am growing some of the most nutritious food possible in a large jar on my kitchen counter! A friend, Doug Evans, who wrote the book ‘how to grow sprouts’ visited us last week to be a guest on our podcast. He inspired me to get back sprouting. There is something deeply connecting about growing our own food, we appreciate it more, do not waste it, and get to pour our love and energy into it over a period of time. I believe growing food gives us a wonderful opportunity to become more embodied.
These activities all have the power to reconnect us with the incredible sensory experience of being fully present in our physical bodies.There are literally millions of things you can do to become more embodied from walking, running, cycling, yoga, going to the gym etc that all bring you back in more awareness of the incredible multi sensory body that you inhabit.
When we live more embodied, we cultivate a deeper sense of presence, aliveness, and connection. We become less caught up in the incessant chatter of the mind and more attuned to the rich tapestry of sights, sounds, textures, and sensations that are always available to us. This embodied awareness can help reduce stress, enhance our appreciation for the world around us, and infuse our lives with a greater sense of wonder and vitality.
My main point here is that when you are ‘living more in your body’ you are more likely to be present, aware in the here and now and less likely to be caught up with anxieties etc. What do you think? What do you do to become more embodied? Are there specific things you do to bring you back in your body?
As always, thanks again for taking the time to read this. If you enjoyed it you can find my other Happier Articles here.
This is a simple yet delicious fermented lemonade. The natural yeasts on the lemon skin kick-start the fermentation process and are responsible for creating the natural carbonation and converting the sugars into active healthy microbes! This is a healthier and delicious fermented drink! If you want to learn more about fermentation, we have lots of amazing recipes just like this as part of our Fermentation Course – available to our Whole Health Tribe members
Takes 7 daysdays
Serves 1.2
Ingredients
6-8lemonsunwaxed and ideally organic lemons
60-120gramsof sugaradjust to your taste preference
1litre of water
Instructions
Combine the ingredients: In a large jar or pitcher, squeeze in the juice of all the lemons and add this juice, the sugar, and water. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved.
Add the lemon peels: Add the juiced lemon peels to the mixture. The natural yeast on the lemon skins will help kickstart the fermentation process.
Close the lid or cover the jar: Close the lid on the jar or cover the jar loosely with a cheesecloth, paper towel, or coffee filter. This allows air to circulate while keeping out dust and debris.
Ferment at room temperature: Let the mixture ferment at room temperature (around 21-24°C) for 3 days, stirring occasionally. You’ll start to see small bubbles forming, indicating the fermentation is taking place.
Sieve to remove the peels: Sieve the lemons and pips and strain the liquid. Use a funnel to transfer the lemonade to 2 x 500ml bottles or small jars with lis and close the lid and leave to ferment for 3 days at room temperature. This will help to build up for carbonation.
Burp the lemonade each day: natural carbonation will start to build up so you will have to open the lid to release the pressure and just close. Repeat this each day for the 3 days.
Refrigerate to stop fermentation: Once the lemonade is nice and fizzy transfer to the fridge to stop fermentation
Enjoy your fermented lemonade: Enjoy your homemade fermented lemonade! It will keep in the fridge for 1-2 weeks.
Tips:
Make sure to use organic, unwaxed lemons so you get the full benefit of the natural yeast on the skins.
The longer you ferment, the more sour and carbonated it will become.
When we first saw the idea of vegan tuna especially out of watermelon, we honestly thought it was ridiculous and that this would never be worth the effort however we were wrong! This is delicious and so worth trying. It makes a fabulous centrepiece dish and although it takes a long time, the oven does all the work!
Takes 2 hourshours40 minutesminutes
Serves 500
Ingredients
1baby watermelon
Dressing:
1tbspsesame oil
1clovegarlic
3cmcube piece of gingerapprox 8g
2tbsptamari/ soy sauce
1tbspmaple syrup
1tspmirin or vinegar of choice
1tbspblack sesame seeds
1tbspwhite sesame seeds
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 190 degrees C
Using a small knife carefully remove the skin of the baby watermelon.
Add to a baking tray and bake for 2 hours turning the melon every 30 mins so that it cooked evenly.
After 2 hours it will have developed a light skin and started to lightly brown around the edges, time to make your dressing.
Peel and finely grate the ginger and garlic, add in the rest of the ingredient for the dressing and mix well.
Remove the baked watermelon from the oven and using a pastry brush, brush all the exposed watermelon in a generous coating and baking for 10 mins. Remove and turn the watermelon and brush with the dressing and bake again for 10 mins. Finally remove again and brush with the last layer of the dressing again with a generous layer and bake for a final 10 mins
As I sit on the padded floor of my 11-month-old daughter Fia’s room, I marvel at her embodied state of being. She is fully engaged with her primitive, mammal mode of exploring movement and discovering what her body can do. Fundamentally embodied, Fia is sensing, feeling, and interacting with her environment through the innate wisdom of her physical form. She is fully engaged and present in her body, marveling and curious.
This column is building on last weeks’ ‘Happier’ Column titled The Comfort Trapwhere I laid out the idea that our excess of modern comforts could likely be contributing to less fulfilment, joy and happiness. With the massive rise of humans sitting for a prolonged amount of time, and most work nowadays being office based, I sometimes think that – as a society – we are starting to see our bodies as simply a vehicle to transport our brains around. Today’s column is about the idea of becoming more physically embodied as a way to feel a little happier. In essence, to move more from our heads to our hearts and bodies, to become more ‘embodied’ and maybe a little bit more whole.
Dis-embodied? The other day, I was walking down the street and counted 10 people who I walked past who had their head buried in their phone nearly walking into me or a lamp post! I have definitely been guilty of doing that too, so I am definitely not judging. It just made me even more aware of how modern life with all its alluring screens and fancy technologies is drawing us away from our physical form and the wonder of the world around us.
I can’t help but believe that reclaiming this sense of physical embodiment could be a key to greater happiness and fulfilment. I believe that when we are fully present in our senses, attuned to the rhythms and needs of the body, we are more likely to experience the richness of the here and now. All great sages say the same thing: that life happens here and now, and I believe that fully inhabiting our body and engaging with our senses is key to this.
A few years ago, Steve and I went to an event in London. It was in an industrial estate in North London in a private show kitchen and it blew us away. It was a sensorial dinner. The first course we were given nose pegs and invited to put them on. The chef explained that our sense of smell (olfactory glands) is directly linked to our taste. This is why wine tasters slurp their wine, to get more air passing across the surface of the wine so they can ‘taste’ the wine via their nose!
But back to the story: the first course we put on these nose pegs and were given a black jelly and asked to guess what we could taste. Neither of us could taste a thing. When we removed the nose peg and tasted again, our taste receptors were flooded with an explosive taste of red berries, the black colour was simply to mislead us. The evening progressed with another course where we had to wear headphones with certain music that influenced the taste and we had to rub our hand on a rough surface while eating our dessert to show how touching a rough surface makes us experience more of a crunch like taste
The sensorial dinner experience really emphasised the power of fully engaging our senses to be present in our bodies and delight in the richness of the moment. It made us acutely aware that modern life, for all its wonders, often pulls us away from this embodied state of awareness, keeping us trapped in the distracted, busy hum of daily routines. By reconnecting to the wisdom of our physical form, we can cultivate a greater sense of aliveness, presence, and connection – key ingredients for a happier human experience.
Is the body just a means to transport our brain around?
At the moment, a part of me is slightly worried that much of modern life relegates the body to a mere vehicle for the brain. Yet the body and brain are inextricably linked, connected by the same nervous system. By becoming more embodied, life has the potential to become richer in the true sense of the word – not just materially, but in our ability to connect more deeply, feel more intensely, and harmonise with ourselves, one another, and the natural world. Moving beyond seeing the body as secondary to the mind opens up profound possibilities for self-awareness, belonging, and joy.
Wrapping it up
I invite you to reflect on your own relationship to your body. What practices or experiences help you to feel more grounded, alive, and present in your physical form? Whether it’s mindful breathing, dancing, hiking in nature, or simply making a concerted effort to unplug from screens, I believe that by doing so we are nurturing an essential aspect of the human experience.
For in doing so, we just may unlock the keys to a richer, more joyful existence. I’m curious to hear your thoughts – what helps you to feel more embodied?
Next week I plan to write about my favourite ways to become more embodied! Thank you so much as always for reading, I greatly appreciate it.
This week we are joined by the incredible Kirsty Gallagher, a renowned astrologer and author of the Sunday Times bestseller, The Goddess Path. With over 20 years of experience in astrology, meditation, and spirituality, Kirsty has empowered countless individuals to reconnect with their inner selves and navigate life’s challenges with grace and wisdom. Her unique approach combines ancient wisdom with modern insights, making her a beloved guide in the world of self-discovery and personal growth.
Episode 170
Main Topics Covered:
Kirsty’s Journey: Discover Kirsty’s path to becoming an astrologer and spiritual guide. She shares her early influences, the transformative experiences that led her to embrace astrology, and how she has built a successful career helping others find their true paths.
Astrology 101: Kirsty breaks down the basics of astrology for beginners, explaining the significance of zodiac signs, birth charts, and planetary alignments. She offers practical advice on how to start incorporating astrology into your daily life.
The Goddess Path: Dive into the themes of Kirsty’s bestselling book, The Goddess Path. Learn about the ancient goddess archetypes and how they can inspire and empower you in modern times. Kirsty discusses the importance of reconnecting with the divine feminine and embracing your inner goddess.
Moon Magic: Explore the powerful influence of the moon on our emotions, behaviors, and spiritual practices. Kirsty shares insights on moon phases, rituals, and how to harness lunar energy for personal growth and manifestation.
Practical Tips for Everyday Life: Kirsty provides actionable tips on how to integrate astrology and spirituality into your daily routine. From setting intentions to mindful living, discover simple practices that can bring more clarity, balance, and joy into your life.
Join us for a captivating conversation with Kirsty Gallagher that will leave you feeling inspired and equipped with new tools to enhance your spiritual journey. Whether you’re a seasoned astrology enthusiast or a curious beginner, this episode is packed with wisdom and practical guidance that you won’t want to miss.
Lots of love,
Dave & Steve
SPONSORS & DISCOUNT CODES:
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This is rocking, takes 10 mins and is packed with flavour. We use tempeh but if you can't get tempeh just use tofu or mushrooms. We served this with pickled red onions or sauerkraut to give it a lovely acid pop to cut through this delicious creamy sauce! In our video there was 2 of us but it might take you 15 mins which is still pretty quick for a super tasty meal!
Takes 10 minutesminutes
Serves 3
Ingredients
250gnoodles of choicewe used brown rice vermicelli
300gtempeh/ tofu/ mushrooms
1tin of coconut milk
400mlveg stock
½thumb sized piece of ginger10g
1large clove of garlic
1lime
3tbsptamari or soy sauce
2tbspmaple syrup
1red chilli
20gfresh herbscoriander and parsley or what ever you like and have available
1carrot
1courgette
1bunch of scallions/ spring onions
To serve:
Pickled red onions
2tbspsesame seeds
Instructions
Cook the noodles:
Cook the noodles according to the pack instructions and drain and rinse
Sear the tempeh
Heat a large non stick frying pan on high heat and slice the tempeh/ tofu into a thin slice that is approx ½-1 cm thick, we got 4 nice triangle shaped pieces. Once the pan is hot add 1 tbsp of oil followed by the tempeh. Fry the tempeh for 3 mins on each side until it starts to sear and go lightly golden.
Make the sauce
Into a blender add the ginger, garlic, coconut milk, juice of ½ lime, tamari, maple syrup, ½ red chilli and blend till smooth.
Prepare the veg:
Slice the carrot and courgette into thin match stick slices or jullienne slices, finely slice the spring onions and herbs and slice the remaining half a chilli into thin slices.
Finish the tempeh/ tofu
Add in 3 tbsp of the sauce to the tempeh and turn to cook on both sides until it starts to caramelise slightly. This should take approx 1-2 mins.
Cook the veg
Remove the tempeh/ tofu and set aside and add in the matchstick shaped carrot, courgette followed by a pinch of salt and the spring onions/ scallions cook for 2 minute moving them around the pan continuously.
Bring the dish together
Add in the remaining coconut based sauce and the veg stock, followed by the cooked noodles and bring the dish together. Squeeze in the remaining half a lime, add in the chopped herbs and season to your liking.
Garnish and enjoy
Divide between 2-4 large bowls and garnish with some pickled red onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds, followed by a piece of tempeh on top
We were so excited with this and absolutely delighted with the results. It properly tastes like cola and even Steve’s kids couldn't get enough of this! This recipe utilises the natural wild yeasts found on the skins of organic fruits to create a naturally fermented cola. The fruits are added after the liquid base has cooled to ensure the wild yeast remains active.
Takes 7 daysdays40 minutesminutes
Serves 2
Ingredients
Fruits and Vegetables:
1medium appleorganic, unwashed, for wild yeast
1medium orangeorganic, unwashed
1lemonorganic, unwashed
1limeorganic, unwashed
1pieceof fresh gingerabout 5 cm, unpeeled
Flavorings:
1cinnamon stick
1vanilla beansplit
5star anise pods
6cloves
1tablespooncoriander seeds
1tablespoonallspice berries or ground allspice
Sweetener:
250g8.8 oz coconut/ brown sugar
Water:
2litres2 quarts filtered water
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients:
Roughly chop the apple, orange, lemon, and lime, keeping the peels on as they contain wild yeasts.
Slice the ginger thinly.
Make the Base:
In a large pot, combine the cinnamon stick, vanilla bean, star anise, cloves, coriander seeds, and allspice berries.
Add the filtered water and bring to a boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20-30 minutes to extract the flavours.
Add the Sweetener:
Add the coconut sugar/ brown sugar to the pot and stir until completely dissolved.
Remove the pot from heat and let the mixture cool to room temperature.
Add the Fruits for Fermentation:
Once the base has cooled to room temperature, transfer it to a large, clean glass jar or fermentation vessel.
Add the chopped apple, orange, lemon, lime, and ginger to the jar. The fruits should be added unwashed to ensure the wild yeast on their skins remains intact.
Cover the jar with a clean cloth or cheesecloth secured with a rubber band to allow airflow while preventing contaminants.
Place the jar in a warm, dark place (around 20-25°C / 68-77°F) for 2-4 days, stirring occasionally. You’ll start to see bubbles forming, indicating fermentation.
Strain and Bottle:
After the fermentation period, strain out the solids using a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth.
Pour the liquid into clean, airtight bottles, leaving some headspace at the top.
Seal the bottles and let them ferment at room temperature for another 1-3 days, checking daily for carbonation. Be careful with pressure buildup in the bottles to prevent them from exploding.
Refrigerate and Serve:
Once the desired level of carbonation is achieved, refrigerate the bottles to slow down the fermentation.
Serve chilled and enjoy your naturally fermented cola!
Banoffee is the famous British dessert when toffee, banana, & cream are brought together on a buttery biscuit base. Here we recreate a healthier breakfast version that also works as a fabulous snack or healthier dessert. Steve’s wife Justyna eats this for breakfast, lunch and sometimes even dinner!
Takes 9 minutesminutes
Serves 4
Ingredients
Ingredients
Date Caramel:
150g5.3 oz pitted dates
350ml11.8 fl oz boiling water (for soaking dates)
100ml3.4 fl oz water (for blending)
1/2tspvanilla extract
2tbsp30 g / 1 oz almond butter
Pinchof salt
Bircher Muesli:
250g8.8 oz oats
40g1.4 oz raisins
20g0.7 oz chia seeds
600ml20.3 fl oz oat milk
A pinch of ground cinnamon
Caramelised Almond Sprinkle:
50g1.8 oz flaked almonds
2tbsp30 ml / 1 oz maple syrup
Other:
200ml6.8 fl oz coconut yoghurt (approx. 10% fat content)
2bananas
Instructions
Soak the Dates: Cover 150 g (5.3 oz) of pitted dates with 350 ml (11.8 fl oz) of boiling water and leave to soak for 5 minutes.
Prepare the Bircher Muesli: In a large mixing bowl, combine 250 g (8.8 oz) of oats, 40 g (1.4 oz) of raisins, 20 g (0.7 oz) of chia seeds, 600 ml (20.3 fl oz) of oat milk, and a pinch of ground cinnamon. Stir well and leave to soak for at least 20 minutes, or overnight for best results.
Caramelise the Almonds: In a non-stick pan over medium heat, toast 50 g (1.8 oz) of flaked almonds until golden brown, about 4-6 minutes. Drizzle 2 tbsp (30 ml / 1 oz) of maple syrup over the almonds and stir to coat evenly. Continue cooking until the syrup caramelises and coats the almonds, then remove from heat.
Create Date Caramel: Drain the soaked dates and transfer them to a food processor. Add 100 ml (3.4 fl oz) of water, 2 tbsp (30 g / 1 oz) of almond butter, 1/2 tsp of vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Process until you achieve a smooth, caramel-like consistency.
Slice the Bananas: Peel and slice 2 bananas into coins.
Assemble the Oats: In clear glasses or jars, create the layers. Start with the date caramel, dividing it evenly between the glasses. Follow with a layer of the soaked Bircher muesli mixture. Add a layer of banana coins on top of the muesli. Spoon approximately 50 ml (1.7 fl oz) of coconut yoghurt over the bananas in each glass. Finish by sprinkling the caramelised almonds on top.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Banoffee Overnight Oats immediately, or refrigerate until ready to eat. The flavours will meld together beautifully when allowed to set overnight. Enjoy your healthful and delicious treat!
Wild nettles go to seed normally in summer and their seeds can be high in properties that help with mood regulation. Nettle seeds are known for their adaptogenic properties, which help support the adrenal glands and combat stress. Paired with oats and nuts, which provide a steady release of energy, these bites are perfect for a healthy, uplifting snack. We devoured these, packed full of plant diversity which is great for your microbiome.
Takes 15 minutesminutes
Serves 20
Ingredients
100g3.5 oz oats
2tbspnettle seeds
150g5.3 oz pitted dates
50g1.75 oz cashew nuts
2tablespoonschia seeds
2tablespoonsflax seeds
2tablespoonscacao powder
2tablespoonscoconut oil
2tablespoonsmaple syrup
1teaspoonvanilla extract
Pinchof sea salt
3tbspoat milk/ water
Instructions
Prepare the base ingredients: In a food processor, combine 100g (3.5 oz) oats, 2 tablespoons nettle seeds, 50g (1.75 oz) nuts, 2 tablespoons chia seeds, 2 tablespoons flaxseeds, and a pinch of sea salt. Pulse until the mixture is finely ground.
Blend the dates: Add 150g (5.3 oz) pitted dates to the food processor. Pulse until the dates are well incorporated into the dry mixture and form a sticky dough.
Add flavour and binding agents: Add 2 tablespoons cacao powder, 2 tablespoons coconut oil, 2 tablespoons maple syrup,3 tbsp oat milk or water and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Blend until all ingredients are well combined and it comes together into a ball, the mixture should be smooth and sticky.
Form the energy balls: Using your hands, scoop out small portions of the mixture and roll them into balls about the size of a walnut. You should get around 20 balls from this recipe.
Coat the ball: we like to coat these energy balls in desiccated coconut or freeze dried raspberries
Serve and store: Once firm, transfer the energy balls to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze them for up to 3 months.
Enjoy these nettle seed serotonin energy balls as a healthy snack to boost your energy and mood naturally!
These are a fantastic way to flavour your water while also packing it with nutrition! We use fresh apple, beetroot, celery, ginger, and orange as the basis for the juice and fresh berries and wedges of lime to make the ice cubes look amazing. These are great to pop into to a drink to flavour it, or add to your water bottle in the morning. We used our amazing Namawell juicer to prepare the juice – use code HAPPYPEAR10 for 10% discount!
Takes
Serves 2
Ingredients
For juice
1apple
1beetroot
1golden beetroot
1bunch celery
1orange
1thumb ginger
1/2lime
To decorate
1punnet blueberries
1punnet raspberries
2limes
1bunchmint leaves
Instructions
Prepare the produce: Wash and prepare your produce. Peel and juice the orange (remove the skin as this can cause an unpleasant taste).
Juicing: Juice the prepared apple, beetroot, celery, orange, ginger, and lime.
Fill the Ice Cube Trays with berries, thinly sliced wedges of lime, and mint leaves (optional).
Pour the juice into the ice cube trays, ensuring the fruit is submerged.
Freeze overnight
Add to a beverage of you choice. Pop 2-5 cubes in your water bottle in the morning for a naturally nutritious way of flavouring your water.
Earlier this year we were in Boston for work and were lucky enough to be taken to see a Boston Celtic’s Basketball game. It was so spectacular yet completely overwhelming! Coming from Greystones, a small town in Ireland right by the sea, this massive indoor circus like stadium was a jarring contrast. The constant noise, bright lights, massive screens and relentless stimulation of the packed crowd and non-stop parade of action on the court felt almost alien to my ancient, evolutionary self. I felt very much like a country mouse in the big city!
Don’t get me wrong, it was an incredible experience to witness. But it also felt like the apex of modern culture – a captivating, high-energy spectacle that made me think of ancient Roman gladiators in the Colosseum. The stark juxtaposition between my nature-immersed life in Ireland and this urban sports cathedral left me feeling slightly out of place, as if my primal instincts were at odds with the frenetic pace and overstimulation of this modern entertainment circus extravaganza!
The contradiction of comfort
As I sit here on a comfortable couch with a comfortable blanket draped around me to keep me warm while sipping on a delicious drink of warm cacao, I can’t help but feel a nagging feeling of unease. My ancient primal self feels trapped in the comforts of modern life – heating, soft fabrics, lighting, excess of processed foods. A deep seated primal part of me, yearns to be more embodied, to be more connected to the natural landscape, outside in the natural world with all my senses fully engaged.
I am fascinated by the contradictions of modern life. On one hand, the technological advancements and innovation across every sector would have been impossible to even contemplate 100 years ago. However on the other hand we live in an environment of unprecedented ease and comfort which goes against our evolutionary hardwiring. As I dig deeper into this topic, I can’t help but feel that our cushy, sedentary lifestyle packed with time saving devices, isolated living and constant convenience is profoundly at odds with the lives of our ancestors and the evolutionary programming hardwired into our genes.
Humans have supposedly been around for about 300,000 years. 99%+ of this time life was uncomfortable and tough. Our ancestors spent their days roaming the natural environment in search of food, exerting themselves physically all day long and relying on their senses to survive. In Spite of the fact that life was hard, there were some silver linings, they lived in tight tribes, ate natural food from the environment and lived harmoniously with the natural habitat in a very physical embodied way.
Embracing discomfort
My daily sunrise swim in the cold Irish Sea is a way that I lean into this ‘comfort trap’. Even though I have done this daily for nearly a decade, 98% of the time I don’t feel like getting into that cold sea. It’s uncomfortable but I do so as I know that on the other side of this discomfort is a place of joy and gratitude, a much better version of myself. As a dear friend Mark says ‘I don’t always love the person getting in, but I always love the person getting out’.
Over the last three years Stephen and myself and some friends have embarked on an annual physical challenge that requires training and a journey of sorts to get ourselves physically fit to try to achieve our challenge. Three years ago we ran the Causeway Coastal Path up in Northern Ireland which was 52 km, this was the first time we had run that distance. Last year we took up swimming, having never swam a km before. We trained all summer long and swam 7 km from the nearby town of Bray to Greystones.
Our annual adventure
This year we are training to run the Wicklow Way, a former pilgrim path across the Wicklow mountains where we live from Dublin to Carlow. We plan to do it over two days in September, all 127 km of it, so just over 60km per day. These adventures are a way for us to reconnect and lean into discomfort. They are very much about the journey, much of the training I don’t feel like doing but the camaraderie and social accountability make me stick with the course. These physical challenges are a way that help push us out of our comfort zone and remind us of the importance of the journey and training with friends, learning more about the land that we live in and hopefully completing a fun physical challenge.
We are all products of the natural world, not evolved for the sterile, sedentary confines of modern life and concrete jungles. Perhaps it’s time we start to reclaim our birthright as embodied, earth-connected beings, and find a way to balance the comforts of the present with the wisdom of the past.
What are your thoughts on this? Do you see a way to reconcile our primal selves with the realities of 21st century living?
The key to thriving in the 21st century may lie in understanding your primal self. Tune in next week to explore this powerful idea further.
Thanks for taking the time to read this. I find this topic really interesting and am thinking of writing more on it. If you agree, please let me know in the comments below! Thanks a mill.
Start your day with a powerful boost from this high-protein breakfast burrito, perfect for any meal of the day. This recipe has about 50g of protein per portion. This burrito contains hearty scrambled tofu, a savoury refried bean salsa, and creamy guacamole, all wrapped up in a warm, toasted wholemeal wrap. Not only is it packed with flavour, but each serving also provides a substantial amount of protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.
Takes 10 minutesminutes
Serves 2
Ingredients
1x 200g block of firm tofu
3tablespoonsof tamari/soy saucedivided
1tspturmeric powder
1tspsmoked paprika
Pinchof garlic powder
1x 400g tin of kidney beans
10cherry tomatoes
1bunch of scallions
2-3large wholemeal wraps
1ripe avocados
1lime
Salt & black pepper to taste
Optional Serving suggestions:
Cherry tomatoes
Kimchi
Spicy BBQ sauce
Fresh coriander
Instructions
Prepare the Scrambled Tofu: Put a wide bottom pan on a high heat and add 1 tbsp of oil. Crumble the tofu into the pan along with a pinch of salt and cook for 2 minutes stirring regularly. Mix in 1 tablespoon of tamari (or soy sauce), ½ tsp turmeric powder, ½ tsp of smoked paprika and a pinch of garlic powder, mix well and cook for a further minute. Add a splash of oat milk and deglaze the pan.
Prepare the Refried Beans Salsa: Finely chop the scallions and cut the cherry tomatoes in half. Drain and rinse the kidney beans. Heat the wide-bottom pan over high heat, add the beans, a pinch of salt, and 1⁄2 teaspoon of black pepper. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add 70ml of water and the remaining 1 tablespoon of tamari/soy sauce and heat for a further minute. Mash the beans using a potato masher until they have a smooth, paste-like texture (you may need to add a little more water). Add the scallions and cherry tomatoes and mix them right through it and continue cooking for a further minute.
Make the Guacamole: Halve the avocado and remove the stone. Scoop out the flesh, chop it into small pieces, and transfer to a bowl. Add a pinch of salt, black pepper, and the juice of the 1 lime. Mash to your desired texture using a potato masher or fork. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Toast the Wraps: Place a wide-bottom pan over high heat. Once hot, reduce to medium heat. Toast each wrap/tortilla on the pan for about 1-2 minutes on each side or until it toasts and starts to golden. Repeat until all wraps are toasted.
Serve: Place a toasted wrap on each plate and spoon on a serving of each of the components. Wrap and roll and enjoy!
I remember so many times in Spring of 2020, during covid lockdowns, standing barefoot on the stony shoreline of the cove in Greystones, waves lapping at my feet, as I watched the sun rise above the horizon against a pink sky. The air was thick with the scent of salt and damp earth, and I could feel the potential in the day rising and the pulse of the tides resonating within my own body. In that moment, the boundaries between myself and the natural world seemed to dissolve, leaving me in a state of deep connection and awe.
We are Nature
At our core, you and I are not separate from nature – we are nature. The truth is, the natural world is not something “out there” that we observe and admire. It is something that flows through us, courses through our veins, and makes up the very fabric of our being.
Consider that one of the most complex ecosystems on the planet resides within your own gut – it hosts billions of microbes, a diverse community that is in constant dialogue with the rest of your body. This inner wilderness is just as much a part of the natural world as the forests, oceans, and skies outside your doors. The cycles and rhythms that sustain all life on this planet also animate the life within us, ebbing and flowing in perfect harmony and synchronicity.
Yet in our modern culture, I find that we’ve grown increasingly disconnected from this fundamental truth. We might have fallen into the trap of seeing ourselves as separate from nature, as somehow superior to or independent from the natural order. This has fueled a mindset of scarcity, where we grasp and hoard rather than allowing the regenerative abundance of the natural world to nourish us.
By reconnecting to the nature that ‘lives inside each of us’, we can begin to dissolve this artificial separation. We can attune ourselves to the cyclical patterns of growth and rest, expansion and contraction, that animate all living things. In doing so, we may find that our own lives become a seamless extension of the natural world – no longer at odds with it, but deeply connected as an integral, harmonious part of the great web of life.
This is the invitation before us: to remember that we are nature, and that the abundance and balance we seek is not something foreign, but a profound truth written into the very fabric of our being. When we live in alignment with this reality, we unlock a wellspring of vitality, creativity, and connection that can nourish us and the earth we call home.
Retuning to Nature’s Rhythms: What We Can Learn from the Cycles of the Natural World
In our fast-paced, technology-driven, concrete based modern life, it’s easy to lose touch with the natural rhythms that have guided life on this planet for millennia. Yet, by reconnecting with these cycles, we may unlock greater balance and harmony.
In nature, we witness the universal dance of day and night, the waxing and waning of the moon, the changing of the seasons. It is easy to forget these natural cycles yet they offer the opportunity to become profound teachers, if we choose to attune ourselves to their wisdom.
Consider the cycle of the seasons. In spring, the earth awakens with new growth and vitality. Summer brings a flourishing abundance, followed by autumn’s shedding and winter’s necessary rest and regeneration. This annual cycle mirrors the ebbs and flows we experience within ourselves.
As an identical twin who has always been driven and goal-oriented, learning to embrace the natural cycles of rest and renewal has been an ongoing practice for me. There have been countless times when I have pushed myself relentlessly, ignoring my body’s signals for a needed break. It has only been as I’ve gotten older and become more aware that maybe my deep seated need for productivity is likely rooted in an insecurity that I better understand the importance of allowing myself to ebb and flow like the tides. Just like night proceeds day, I need to prioritise rest, reflection in order to renew after demanding periods of focus and productivity.
By endeavouring to live more harmoniously with the cycles of nature, you will likely find that your stress levels decline, your creativity flourishes, and your sense of connection to the natural world, and to yourself, deepens. By returning to nature’s rhythms, we can rediscover the inherent balance and connection that has sustained life on this planet for Eons.
Abundance vs Scarcity
When I look to the natural world, I am met with an abundance that stands in stark contrast to the scarcity mindset so prevalent in modern human culture. The cycles of nature exemplify a generative, replenishing flow, rather than the linear, finite capitalist systems we have all grown accustomed to.
As I observe the seasons change each year, I’m struck by nature’s effortless cycles of renewal, of expansion and contraction. In spring, I witness the world springing forth with vibrant new life, blossoming into the lush abundance of summer. Even as autumn brings a shedding of leaves, the trees do not cling desperately to their resources. Instead, they gracefully let go, trusting in the replenishing rest of winter to revitalise them for the next cycle of growth. This pattern of expansion and contraction, of giving and receiving, sustains the natural world in a state of perpetual regeneration that I find profoundly inspiring.
In comparison, in our human society and culture we often operate from a mindset of scarcity, hoarding resources and guarding against perceived lack. Most of us have been conditioned to see the world as a zero-sum game, where one person’s gain must come at the expense of another. This mindset fuels competition, anxiety, much stress and the persistent illusion that there is never enough. Yet the abundance of nature reminds me that this is a construction of our own making, a man made creation, the universe from what I can see operates based on principles of complete abundance generously sharing resources without a sign of withholding.
I am inspired by the rhythms and generosity of the natural world. I believe there is much to learn about shedding the deep rooted scarcity mindset of modern culture. Leaning more open heartedly into giving and receiving and learning to not cling on to our money and materials so tightly. This likely sounds very idealistic but I believe we can learn to trust in the replenishing cycles that sustain all life, and find freedom in the knowledge that abundance is our natural birthright, not scarcity. In doing so, we open ourselves up to a more harmonious, fulfilling way of living with a much deeper connection to the earth and the natural world and creatures upon it. .
The natural world has touched me in so many ways, it connects me to myself in so many profound ways on a daily basis whether via my morning sunrise sea swims, running through the woods or working on our regenerative farm and learning more about how we can grow tasty nutritious food in the most harmonious way with nature.
Thanks for reading this weeks ‘Happier’ column. I really appreciate it. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below and as always thanks to those who have left comments on previous articles, I really appreciate your input.
In this week’s episode we sit down once again with Nicole Masters, an independent agroecologist, systems thinker, author, and educator. Nicole is renowned for her extensive work in soil health and regenerative agriculture, empowering farmers and communities worldwide to adopt sustainable practices that benefit both the environment and their livelihoods. With over two decades of experience, Nicole is a sought-after consultant and the author of the acclaimed book, For the Love of Soil: Strategies to Regenerate Our Food Production Systems.
We were delighted to have Nicole join us in person for this second episode, where we had the opportunity to take her around our own no-dig regenerative farm. This unique setting allowed us to delve deeper into the practical aspects of regenerative farming and the principles of soil health that Nicole advocates.
Episode 169
Main Topics Covered:
Introduction to Agroecology: Understanding the principles and practices that define agroecology and how it differs from conventional farming.
Regenerative Agriculture: Exploring the key concepts of regenerative agriculture and its importance in restoring soil health and biodiversity.
Soil Health: Delving into the critical role of soil in our ecosystems, including techniques for assessing and improving soil health.
Systems Thinking: Applying a systems thinking approach to agriculture and environmental management for more holistic and sustainable outcomes.
Education and Advocacy: The role of education in promoting sustainable agriculture practices and how to advocate for change within communities and policy.
Real-world Applications: Success stories and practical examples of regenerative agriculture in action from around the globe.
Challenges and Solutions: Addressing the common challenges faced by farmers and communities in transitioning to regenerative practices and the innovative solutions being implemented.
Nicole Masters’ expertise and passion for soil and sustainability shine through in this episode, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of food production and environmental stewardship. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of how we can all contribute to a healthier planet through thoughtful and regenerative approaches to agriculture.
Lots of love,
Dave & Steve
SPONSORS & DISCOUNT CODES:
Namawell Juicers are AMAZING! They have absolutely revolutionised the juicing game. We have an exclusive 10%
VIVOBAREFOOT: Vivobarefoot Footwear have given our listeners an exclusive 20% discount and if you buy now you also get free access to their incredible course showcasing some of the biggest names in the health and wellness space.
Chocolate and Cherry Tiramisu with Pink Beet Cream
If you want to impress dinner guests, this Chocolate Coffee Tiramisu is the cake to make. We made this for our Supper Club last week and it was such a treat! It puts a twist on a classic tiramisu by bringing in rich black forest flavours like cherry and chocolate which went so well with the coffee notes. We made a plant-based pink beet cream infused with cherry liquor which just looked so beautiful, and tasted amazing. It’s surprisingly light but still feels decadent. It really is such a pretty cake!
Takes 40 minutesminutes
Serves 8
Ingredients
Chocolate Coffee Sponge
250gSelf-raising flour
200gSugar
50gCacao powder
1tspBaking powder
¼tspBaking soda
200mlStrong black coffee/ oat milk
75mlVegetable oil
1tspVanilla essence
75gCoconut yoghurt or soy yoghurt
Coffee soak
200mlstrong black Coffee
50mlcherry liqueur
2tbspicing sugar
Cream Layer
500mlvegan cream
250mlvegan cream cheese
1Vanilla pod
6tbspicing sugar
2tbspbeetroot powder
Garnish
50gcacao powder
50gof chocolate 70% cocoa solids
Chocolate to garnish
Fresh cherries on top
1x 400g tin of black cherries
Instructions
Preheat oven 160 degrees C (320°F)
Make and bake sponge
Sieve the flour, sugar, baking powder and baking soda and cocoa into a large bowl and mix well together.
In a separate bowl mix together the coffee, vanilla essence, oil and yoghurt and fold the batter together until well combined do not over mix.
Line a baking tray approx 23 x 35cm x 5 cm with baking parchment and add the batter and level it out.
Bake for 20-25 mins until it starts to dry out and look baked and when you insert a wooden skewer it comes out dry. If using gluten free bake for approx 14 mins until you insert a wooden skewer and it comes out dry.
Set aside and leave to cool.
Whip cream
Add the plant based cream to a large bowl along with the icing sugar and scrap out the inside of the vanilla pod and add it to the cream.
Using an electric whisk whip the cream until you reach stiff peaks, this should take 3-4 mins.
Add in the vegan cream cheese and whip again until it's all well combined and super smooth with stiff peaks.
Sieve in the beetroot powder and fold it in until the cream turns a lovely bright pink colour. You want to ensure it's thick enough so that it will hold its shape.
Make Coffee soak
Sieve in the 2 tbsp of icing sugar to the coffee, add in the kirsch or cherry liquor and mix well.
Plate up & decorate
Get the plate you want to serve the tiramisu from and cut the sponge in half. Put a sheet of baking parchment on top of the sponge and flip it over and remove the bottom baking paper. This will be easier to transfer.
Carefully transfer half of the sponge to the plate with the bottom of the sponge now facing up (the coffee will soak in better). Use a fork to gently pierce the top of the sponge so the coffee soak will soak in better.
Gently pour over half the coffee mixture onto the sponge and use a pastry brush to brush with the coffee mixture until you have covered the sponge evenly.
Add half the cream on top of the sponge and spread it out so that the sponge is well covered.
Drain the tin of cherries and leave them to drain dry. Add a few of the cherries on top of the cream (approx 15 cherries). Sieve over some cocoa powder on top or grate on some chocolate.
Next carefully add on the remaining half of the sponge again bottom side up and try to line it up so it's exactly on top of the base layer. Pierce lightly with a fork.
Pour over the remaining coffee mixture and spread it around with a pastry brush so it's well covered.
Add the remaining cream layer, a few cherries on top, and finish with a coating of cacao powder and finely sliced chocolate.
This cuts into 6-8 generous slices and is so wonderful!
This takes 10-15 mins to make and it's so packed with flavour! We make a beautiful sauce that makes this dish sing! We often say that the sixth flavour in food is texture and by slicing the veg into thin matchstick size shapes or julienne, they look interesting and go great when only slightly cooked. The sauce also works great as a dipping sauce.
Takes 15 minutesminutes
Serves 2
Ingredients
Sauce/Seasoning
3tbspof tamari / soy sauce
2tbspgochujang
1tbspgochugaru
1tbspsesame oil
2clovesgarlic
1tbspgrated ginger
1tbspmaple syrup of liquid sweetener of choice
1tbsprice vinegar or vinegar of choice
2tbsptoasted sesame seeds
2tbspof water
Veg
150gmushrooms5.3oz
4scallions/ green onions
1courgette/ zucchini
1carrot
1red pepper
250g brown rice noodles
Instructions
Cook the noodles: Fill and boil the kettle, fill a large saucepan with boiling water and add a generous pinch of salt. Add the noodles and cook according to the package instructions.
Make the sauce: Peel the garlic and ginger and grate finely Into a measuring jug or bowl, add in the rest of the ingredients and mix well until well combined.
Prepare the veg: Slice the mushrooms into thin strips and slice the scallions/ green onions at an angle and set aside. Julienne or cut the carrots, pepper and courgette into thin matchsticks. Roughly chop the coriander.
Cook the mushrooms: Heat a large non-stick frying pan on high heat, once hot add ½ tbsp of oil followed by the mushrooms. Cook for 4-5 mins stirring regularly until they start to go brown around the edges, add in the scallions and mix through. Add in the rest of the veg except the coriander along with a pinch of salt and cook for 1-2 mins.
Bring the dish together: Add in the cooked noodles followed by the sauce and mix well.
Taste and season: taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking and garnish with the coriander and any extra sesame seeds.
Digestive Support Iced Tea with Pineapple Weed & Dandelion Root
This is a delicious soothing beverage perfect for summer months. It contains amazing wild ingredients such as Dandelion Root & Pineapple weed. Dandelion Root is a natural diuretic that can help to reduce bloating. Pineapple Weed, a wild plant that’s from the same family as chamomile, is known for its calming effects on the stomach and its ability to ease digestive discomfort. Ginger is said to help relieve nausea and mint is renowned for its ability to relax the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract, which can help to ease symptoms of indigestion. We’ve had so much fun learning more about foragable ingredients in our local area and harvested the fennel fronds and mint from this recipe from our farm which always feels amazing! Enjoy!
Takes 30 minutesminutes
Serves 1
Ingredients
5-10sprigs pineapple weed
5-10sprigs of fennel fronds
5-10mint leaves
1thumb sized piece of ginger
1thumb sized piece of turmeric
1thumb sized piece of dandelion root
½lemon
Instructions
Forage your Ingredients:
Gather your pineapple weed & dandelion root (you may need a shovel or trowel to pull the root up whole). When foraging dandelion root, look for large plants which will have a well-developed root.
Cut your ingredients:
Slice the lemon, Finely dice the ginger, turmeric & dandelion root.
Roughly chop or tear your pineapple weed, mint leaves & fennel fronds (you can also just brew them whole)
Brew:
Add all ingredients to a tea pot and brew with approx 1 L of boiling water
Leave to brew for 5 mins
Serve: Once cooled serve over ice for a delicious digestion-easing beverage
We’re so excited to announce that our new book “The Happy Pear 20: Recipes and Learnings From the First 20 Years” will be coming out this October!
This book really does mean so much to us. Celebrating some of the most popular recipes we’ve created in the last 2 decades!
We talk about the big life lessons we’ve learned on our journey from our successes and failures, and all of the amazing people we met along the way.
With recipes from the most requested dishes in our cafe, our most viral recipes on social media, as well as what we love to cook up at home, we can’t wait to share our favourite dishes with you!
Even if you don't bake sourdough, this recipe is so worth trying as the tang from the sourdough mother really gives an amazing cheese-like flavour due to the lactobacillus bacteria in the mother culture. This is a beautiful way to use your leftover sourdough discard after feeding your mother. You can customise the flavour to what you like. Here, we simply used some olive oil and mixed herbs and mixed seeds, but have fun seasoning these to your liking.
Takes 1 hourhour
Serves 20
Ingredients
200gsourdough discard7 oz
2tbspolive oil
Pinchsalt
Pinchof mixed herbs
2tbspmixed seeds of choice
Instructions
Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F).
Mix ingredients: Into a large bowl, add 200g (7 oz) sourdough discard, 2 tbsp olive oil, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of mixed herbs. Mix until well combined.
Prepare the baking tray: Line a baking tray with baking parchment. Remove the parchment from the baking tray and place it directly on the table. Pour out the dough onto the parchment and spread out a really thin layer using the back of a spoon. It should be approximately ½ cm (0.2 inches) thick.
Add seeds: Sprinkle with 2 tbsp of mixed seeds of choice (such as sesame, chia, flax, sunflower, and pumpkin seeds) and a sprinkle of salt. If you have coarse sea salt, this would be perfect, but fine sea salt will also work.
Initial bake: Place the baking parchment back onto the baking tray and bake in the oven for 10 minutes at 180°C (356°F).
Cut crackers: Remove from the oven and cut the crackers into the shapes you would like, approximately 8 cm x 2 cm (3.1 inches x 0.8 inches) is what we went with but you could cut them into squares or whatever shape you like.
Final bake: Put the tray back in the oven for 30-40 minutes until the crackers are dry and golden on top.
Cool and store: Remove and let cool fully. Store in an airtight container. They will last for approximately 1 month.
We love to serve these with our hummus and pestos!
This is a delicious, easy-to-make burger that is based around whole foods, unlike a lot of vegan burgers on the market. It only takes 10 minutes to make and is a brilliant source of plant-based protein. We’ve made this loads of times at BBQ’s and summer parties and it’s always a crowd pleaser! We’ve opted for pre-cooked quinoa to make this recipe easy to whip up in just 10 minutes. But if you wanted to you could also cook the quinoa yourself before making the burgers.
Takes 10 minutesminutes
Serves 3
Ingredients
150gcooked quinoayou can buy vacuum-packed cooked quinoa
1x 400g can kidney beansdrained and rinsed
3tbsptamari
2tbspnutritional yeast
1tspsmoked paprika
½tspchilli powder
150gmushrooms
3tbspgram flourchickpea flour or vegan protein powder
To Serve
3burger buns
Vegan mayo
50gPesto or ketchup
3lettuce/kale leaves
3slicesof tomato
3Gherkins
Instructions
Prepare the mushrooms: Tear up the mushrooms. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a wide-bottom pan over high heat.
Add the mushrooms and place a pot on top to compress them. Cook for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add 1 tbsp tamari to the mushrooms and cook for an additional minute until all the tamari has been absorbed.
Make the burger mixture: In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, drained and rinsed kidney beans, nutritional yeast, smoked paprika, chilli powder, gram flour (or vegan protein powder), and cooked mushrooms. Using a potato masher or your hands, mash the beans and mix all the ingredients together until well combined.
Form the patties: Shape the mixture into 3 equal-sized patties.
Cook the patties: Using the same pan you cooked the mushrooms in, heat 2 tbsp oil over high heat. Fry the patties for 2 minutes on each side until both sides are charred and golden.
Assemble the burgers: Slice the tomatoes and gherkins. Spread some vegan mayo on the bottom bun and pesto or ketchup on the top bun. Place a lettuce leaf on the bottom bun, followed by the burger patty. Add a spoon of pesto or ketchup over the burger patty and spread it out. Top with a slice of tomato and some gherkin slices, then finish with the top bun.
Enjoy your homemade high-protein wholefood burger!
Scarpaccia is a traditional Tuscan courgette tart that is typically thin and crispy, resembling a flatbread, typically corn meal is used but we left it out as it can be hard to find in Ireland it works great without it. When courgettes (zucchinis) are in season on the farm we have so many of them and this is one of our favourite ways to use them. This works perfectly as an appetiser, snack, or light meal recipe and has quickly become one of our favourite ways to cook courgette!
Takes 1 hourhour
Serves 6
Ingredients
For the batter:
150gplain flour5.3 oz
375mlwater12.7 fl oz
3tbspolive oil1.5 fl oz
1tspsalt0.18 oz
1tspblack pepper0.18 oz
For the topping:
300gcourgetteszucchini, thinly sliced 10 oz (approx 2 courgettes)
300gpotatoesthinly sliced 10 oz
1small red onionthinly sliced
2clovesgarlicminced 0.35 oz
1tbspfresh thyme leaves0.53 oz
1tbspfresh rosemaryfinely chopped 0.53 oz
2tbspolive oil1 fl oz
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the batter:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 150g (5.3 oz) of plain flour, 375ml (12.7 fl oz) of water, 3 tbsp (45ml) of olive oil, 1 tsp (5g) of salt, and 1 tsp (5g) of black pepper until smooth and lump-free. Let the batter rest while preparing the toppings.
Prepare the vegetables:
Preheat the oven to 200°C (392°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Thinly slice 300g (10.5 oz) of courgettes (zucchini) and 300g (10.5 oz) of potatoes using a mandoline or sharp knife. Thinly slice 1 small red onion and mince 2 cloves of garlic. Add to a bowl along with 1 tbsp of oil and a generous pinch of salt and mix well.
Assemble the Scarpaccia:
Spread the courgettes, potatoes, red onion, and minced garlic evenly over the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle 1 tbsp (15g) of fresh herbs of choice (we used fresh fennel but thyme or rosemary work great just remove them from their stalk)
Pour the batter evenly over the veg, ensuring everything is well coated.
Drizzle 1 tbsp (15ml) of olive oil over the batter and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Bake the Scarpaccia:
Bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes, or until the edges are crispy and golden brown. The centre should be firm and cooked through. Bake for a little longer if it is still not firm enough in the centre.
Allow the scarpaccia to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Serve:
Serve warm or at room temperature, cut into squares or wedges. Enjoy this delicious and healthy scarpaccia as an appetiser, snack, or light meal.
These are insanely tasty! It was a long way from eating gyozas when we grew up but we found making these so much fun and they are so packed with flavour and are a delicious way to eat more veg. The dipping sauce is like a flavour bomb which can be stored in the fridge for up to a week and goes great on sandwiches or noodles.
Takes 25 minutesminutes
Serves 30
Ingredients
100ggyoza pastry
Filling
100gkimchi
50gmushrooms
50gfirm tofu
1handful of wild nettlesapprox 6g
Dipping sauce
3tbspof tamari / soy sauce 2 fl oz
2tbspgochujang 1 oz
1tbspgochugaru 0.5 fl oz
1tbspsesame oil0.5 fl oz
2clovesgarlic0.35 oz
1tbspgrated ginger0.18 oz
1tbspmaple syrup of liquid sweetener of choice0.5 oz
1tbsprice vinegar or vinegar of choice1 fl oz
2tbsptoasted sesame seeds 1 oz
2tbspof water1-2 fl oz
Instructions
Prepare your veg: Crumble the tofu, finely dice the mushrooms, thoroughly wash the nettle and roughly dice, roughly chop the kimchi
Make the sauce: Peel the garlic and ginger and grate finely Into a measuring jug or bowl, add in the rest of the sauce ingredients and mix well until thoroughly combined.
Cook the veg: Heat a wide bottomed non-stick pan on high heat. Add in 1 tsp of oil and once hot add in the crumbled tofu and diced mushrooms, fry for 4-5 mins stirring regularly, until the tofu has turned lightly golden all over. Add in 2 tbsp of tamari and mix well until all the mushrooms and tofu have absorbed the tamari. Turn off the heat and remove the tofu, mushroom mix to a medium bowl.
Mix the filling: Add in the diced kimchi and diced nettle on top of the tofu and mushrooms and mix well.
Fill the gyozas: To fill the gyozas take one gyoza pastry and wet your finger in water and brush this water around the edge of the pastry (this will help it seal closed). Add in 1 tsp of the filling into the centre of the pastry and fold over crimping on one side as you fold. You are aiming to get somewhere between 3-7 crimps per gyoza. Repeat with the remaining filling, you should get approx 3040 gyozas.
Cook the gyozas: Heat up the frying pan and add in 1 tsp of oil and once hot add in 8-10 gyozas. Fry for 2-3 mins on one side and then add in 50ml of water and put the lid on and leave to cook for 2- 3 mins. Remove the lid and let the steam release and check that the bottom has gone golden brown and looks crispy. Remove from the pan and repeat with the remaining gyozas.
Dip and enjoy: Dip into the dipping sauce and enjoy!
We recorded a podcast last week with a Best Selling author and astrologer Kirsty Gallagher, and her words have been resonating with me ever since. She said a line that I found profoundly impactful: “Your purpose is you.” This simple yet powerful statement has been circling in my mind, serving as a great reminder whenever I catch myself falling into old patterns of feeling the urge to be productive or busy.
The concept of “purpose” can often feel lofty, nebulous and elusive, the source of many an existential crisis. Typically we look outward to find purpose through concrete achievements & goals, helping others, or fulfilling societal expectations, such as teaching children or tending to the needs of our community. But what if the key to unlocking our deepest sense of purpose lies not in the world beyond us, but within the very core of our authentic selves?
I’ve come to believe that our purpose is indeed rooted in becoming more fully who we are – embracing our true values, interests, and passions as the foundation for finding meaning and direction in our lives. It’s not about forcing ourselves into someone else’s or society’s mould, but about the courageous journey of unravelling the hidden layers within.
The more you become authentically yourself the more you give others permission to do the same.
In our modern world of monoculture food and often homogenous values, where globalisation and Western consumerism are spreading across the globe – finding and expressing your true self is an act of rebellion and profound empowerment. What I love most about the idea of “your purpose being you” is that at its root lies the courageous journey toward your authentic self, your truest essence independent of external expectations.
You are fundamentally unique, you are 1 in 9 billion. Even me, as an identical mirror twin with 99.99% the same DNA as my twin Steve, I am completely unique too, as is Steve. The more we are brave enough to step into our individual light and shed the pervasive constricting values of Western capitalism, the more we in turn inspire others to follow suit. Just as a cold or flu is contagious, authenticity too has a viral quality – it inspires and spreads. We all want to feel free to be ourselves and sometimes seeing others being unapologetically themselves gives us permission in a sense. As Gandhi so eloquently stated, “be the change you wish to see in the world.” The more we embrace our authentic selves, the more we give others permission to do the same.
In a world that constantly pressures us to conform, to fit neatly into prescribed boxes, the act of self-discovery and self-expression becomes a quiet rebellion. When we have the courage to show up as our unvarnished selves, we create a ripple effect that can transform not only our own lives, but the lives of those around us. This is the true power of purpose – not found in external accomplishments, but in the beautiful, messy, ever-evolving journey of becoming who we were born to be.
It starts with acceptance and love
This week, I caught myself acting from that habitual, automatic urge and habit to be productive – an impulse that is so often rooted in fear. In that moment, the line “your purpose is you” spontaneously popped into my head, serving as a potent reminder. Instead of mindlessly forging ahead, I noticed a shift; self-compassion, self-acceptance, and even self-love began to arise within me. It felt like I was momentarily breaking free from entrenched patterns, no longer losing myself in the frenetic need to stay busy for busy’s sake, to be a productive cog in the machine. Productivity and busy-ness is a habit I’ve sometimes excelled at, equating my worth with the outward markers of productivity and achievement.
But in that pivotal moment, I was able to pause, reconnect with my deeper self, and make a different choice. It was a small yet profound act of rebellion against the relentless pressure to conform to society’s narrow definitions of success. By choosing presence over productivity, I re-aligned with my deeper sense of who I am and what is important to me in the moment. This experience has reinforced my belief that our truest calling lies not in external accomplishments, but in the courageous journey of becoming more fully ourselves.
At the heart of living a purposeful life is the ability to fully accept and love yourself (last week’s column on ‘the wisdom of insecurity’ touched on this!). It is so easy to get caught up in the relentless pursuit of external validation, comparing ourselves to unrealistic standards and judging our worth based on others’ perceptions (previous Happier Column on Self worth). However, your unique purpose can only be found when you make peace with who you are at your core, flaws and all. Self-acceptance is not about complacency or becoming passive, but about creating a solid foundation from which you can grow and flourish. When you cultivate genuine self-love, you tap into your deepest desires, values, and unique gifts – the very building blocks of a fulfilling purpose.
Redefining success on your own terms
As identical twins and business owners, Steve and I are all too familiar with society’s often narrow definition of success, wealth, status and external achievements being touted as the hallmark of a life well lived. However, what if you took a step back and redefined success based on your deeper values and what really gives you meaning?
What if you peel back the layers of societies ‘success programming’ and instead start to determine what really floats your boat, what makes your spirit soar and awakens a child-like wonder in you? Your purpose being you means that it needs to be a genuine expression of who you are. In my thirties I very much bought into the success equals social status paradigm and reflecting back I was the personification of success equals external achievements and impressing others. Now that I am a decade older, 44, I have largely shed this belief and find true success is quality time with my family and friends and spending time on the farm in nature. I still see the old habitual programming of seeking external validation arise but I find I am less susceptible to it than before! Progress over perfection!
The most meaningful purpose is found not in external achievements, but in the courageous act of becoming more fully yourself. May you have the courage to shed societal expectations and tap into the wellspring of purpose that lies within. Your unique gifts and authentic expression are a profound gift to the world. The more you do this, the more you inspire others to do the same. Together lets create a ripple of authenticity!
Thank you for taking the time to read this week’s Happier column. I hope the idea of “your purpose is you” has resonated and inspired you to embrace a more authentic and purposeful path. I have written many previous Happier columns exploring topics like self-worth, feeling enough, and living with greater intention which you can read here.
Golden Roasted Cauliflower with Tahini Cream & Zhoug
We char a turmeric infused cauliflower and then serve on top of a tahini cream dressed with a delicious glaze – this is magnificent and makes a wonderful centrepiece dish that is packed with flavour and its surprisingly filling as well as beautiful.
Takes 40 minutesminutes
Serves 2
Ingredients
For the Cauliflower:
1cauliflower
1tbspground turmeric
For the Tahini Cream:
500gnatural soy yoghurt
8tbsplight tahini
Juice of 1 lemon
Pinchof salt
For the Zhough
2clovesGarlic
20gfresh Coriander
1Green chilli
1/2tspground Cardamom
1tspGround cumin
75mlOil
Juice 1/2 lemon
1/2tspsalt
Pinchblack pepper
Pinchchilli flakes
Garnish
15gfresh coriander
30gred sauerkraut
Instructions
Prep Cauliflower: Wash and cut the cauliflower into quarters, including the leaves.
Boil Cauliflower: Boil the cauliflower and leaves with salt and turmeric until al dente, about 8-10 minutes, then drain.
Make Tahini Cream: Combine soy yoghurt, tahini, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt to create the cream.
Sear Cauliflower: Heat a wide bottomed non-stick pan on high heat and add 2 tbsp of oil and a pinch of salt. Once hot carefully place the cooked cauliflower open side down and cook on each side until golden brown in the centre, approx 3-4 mins on each side)
Make the Zhoug: For the Zhoug blend all ingredients till smooth and taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking.
Garnish Prep: Chop coriander or parsley and roughly chop the sauerkraut
Assemble Dish: Spread tahini cream on a plate, place cauliflower on top, drizzle with the zhoug, and garnish with coriander and sauerkraut
Serve and Savour: Dive into this beautiful and flavorful dish that elevates cauliflower to new heights. Enjoy!
Boost Your Gut Health with Fiber: The Plant-Based Secret to Digestive Bliss
Fiber – The Unsung Hero of Your Plate
In the realm of nutrition, where vitamins and minerals often steal the spotlight, there’s one humble nutrient that quietly works wonders from the wings: fiber. By utilizing plant-based fiber for gut health, we can significantly enhance our digestive wellness and overall health. Think of fiber as the quiet kid in class who, unbeknownst to many, is actually a superhero in disguise, keeping your digestive system and overall health in tip-top shape.
Embarking on a plant-based diet unveils an exciting world where fiber isn’t just a guest; it’s the star of the show. This narrative isn’t about depriving yourself of flavors or joy. Oh, no! It’s about embracing a rainbow of foods that bring not only color and texture to your plate but also a myriad of health benefits, thanks to our fibrous friends.
Fiber’s superpowers are many, from helping you feel fuller for longer to making sure your digestive system runs like a well-oiled machine. And the best part? Plant-based diets are like a treasure map to this nutrient goldmine, with each meal offering a new opportunity to discover the joys and benefits of fiber.
As we set sail on this adventure, imagine your kitchen transforming into a laboratory, where each fiber-rich plant food is a fun experiment waiting to unfold. Together, we’ll explore the fascinating ways fiber works its magic, introduce you to the most fiber-rich foods the plant kingdom has to offer, and share secrets on how to keep your gut microbiome thriving, day in and day out.
So, buckle up! We’re about to take a ride through the colorful, flavorful, and utterly joyful world of fiber on a plant-based diet. Trust us, it’s a journey worth taking, filled with discoveries, health perks, and, most importantly, delicious food!
The Magic of Fiber: A Tale of Two Types
Fiber is an essential part of a healthy diet, especially when it comes to plant-based eating. It’s unique because it comes in two varieties: soluble and insoluble, each with its own set of benefits for our bodies.
Soluble Fiber: The Smooth Helper
Soluble fiber dissolves in water to form a gel-like substance, aiding in digestion and helping to keep blood sugar levels steady. It’s like the friend who’s always there to smooth things over, ensuring everything in your digestive system is running as it should. Foods rich in soluble fiber include oats, peas, beans, apples, and citrus fruits. By including these in your diet, you’re not just eating well; you’re actively contributing to your heart’s health and keeping hunger pangs at bay.
Insoluble Fiber: The Bulk Builder
Insoluble fiber doesn’t dissolve in water. Instead, it adds bulk to the stool and helps food pass more quickly through the stomach and intestines. It’s the dietary equivalent of keeping the traffic moving on the highway of your digestive tract, preventing any jams that can lead to discomfort or constipation. Whole wheat flour, wheat bran, nuts, and vegetables like cauliflower and potatoes are great sources of insoluble fiber. Adding these to your meals ensures that your digestive system stays on track.
Why Both Types Matter
Having both soluble and insoluble fiber in your diet is key to maintaining good digestive health. They work together to help manage blood sugar levels, reduce the risk of heart disease, and prevent constipation. A plant-based diet naturally offers a wide variety of both types of fiber, making it easier to enjoy their benefits in every meal.
Understanding the roles of soluble and insoluble fiber can help you make informed choices about what to include in your diet. As we move on to explore the fiber-rich stars of the plant-based diet, remember that diversity in your food choices is not just enjoyable—it’s essential for your health.
The Plant-Based Panorama: Where Fiber Reigns Supreme
Diving into a plant-based diet opens up a treasure trove of foods high in both soluble and insoluble fiber. Here’s a closer look at some of these nutritional superstars and how to weave them into your daily meals for a delicious, fiber-rich diet.
Legumes: Beans, Peas, and Lentils
Legumes are not only protein powerhouses but also fiber champions. Whether it’s black beans, chickpeas, lentils, or peas, these versatile ingredients can be the heart of any meal. Think beyond the humble chili or stew. How about a smooth, creamy hummus as a snack or black bean brownies for dessert? The options are as endless as they are delicious.
Whole Grains: Oats, Barley, and Quinoa
Move over, refined grains! Whole grains like oats, barley, and quinoa bring texture, flavor, and a hefty fiber punch to the table. Start your day with a bowl of oatmeal topped with fruit and nuts, or stir up a quinoa salad loaded with veggies for lunch. These grains make it easy to keep things interesting and fibrous.
Vegetables: Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, and Sweet Potatoes
Vegetables are the backbone of any plant-based diet, and for good reason. Not only do they offer a variety of vitamins and minerals, but they’re also rich in fiber. Roast a mix of broccoli and Brussels sprouts for a crispy side dish, or bake a sweet potato for a filling meal. The more colorful your plate, the better!
Fruits: Berries, Apples, and Pears
Fruits are nature’s dessert, sweet and packed with soluble fiber. Berries can top off your morning cereal, apples can be baked into a healthy snack, and pears can add sweetness to a savory salad. Each fruit not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also supports your digestive health.
Incorporating a diverse array of plant-based foods into your diet isn’t just about meeting fiber needs—it’s about enjoying a wide range of flavors and textures. Experimenting with different fruits, vegetables, legumes, and grains can keep your meals exciting and your body well-nourished.
Fiber and Gut Health: The Feel-Good Alliance
Fiber’s role in maintaining gut health is both fascinating and vital. While it doesn’t get digested in the traditional sense, fiber has a profound impact on our digestive system, especially within a plant-based diet. Here’s how this nutrient helps keep our gut happy and healthy.
Fostering a Friendly Gut Microbiome
Fiber acts as a prebiotic, providing food for the beneficial bacteria in our gut. These friendly microbes ferment soluble fiber, producing short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that nourish the colon walls and help regulate the immune system. It’s like throwing a feast for your gut’s good bacteria, encouraging them to multiply and maintain a healthy gut flora balance. This, in turn, can reduce inflammation and even lower the risk of chronic diseases.
Keeping Things Moving
Insoluble fiber’s claim to fame is its ability to add bulk to stools and facilitate regular bowel movements. Think of it as the body’s natural way of keeping the digestive tract clear, preventing constipation, and reducing the risk of colon cancer. A diet rich in fiber from whole foods ensures that everything in the digestive system moves along smoothly, without any hiccups.
A Shield Against Diseases
Beyond digestion, a fiber-rich diet, particularly from plant sources, has been linked to lower risks of developing conditions like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer. Fiber’s ability to regulate blood sugar levels and cholesterol is a testament to its role beyond just gut health, showcasing its comprehensive benefits for overall well-being.
Weight Management Ally
Fiber has a fantastic ability to make you feel full and satisfied after meals, helping to curb overeating and assist in weight management. This is particularly beneficial in a plant-based diet, where high-fiber foods can provide volume and nutrients without an excess of calories.
Embracing a diet rich in plant-based fiber not only supports your digestive system but also contributes to a healthier, more vibrant you. As we look at incorporating more fiber into our diets next, remember that it’s not just about quantity; variety and enjoyment are just as important.
Embracing Fiber: Everyday Adventures
Increasing the fiber in your diet doesn’t have to be a chore. In fact, it can be a delicious and adventurous journey. Here are some tips and tricks to help you seamlessly add more fiber to your meals, making each bite not only nutritious but also delightful.
Start Your Day on a High (Fiber) Note
Breakfast is the perfect time to get a head start on your fiber intake. Swap out your regular cereal for a bowl of oatmeal topped with berries and chia seeds, or blend up a green smoothie with spinach, pear, and avocado. These choices pack a punch of both soluble and insoluble fiber, keeping you full and energized until lunch.
Snack Smart
For snacks, reach for raw veggies with hummus, a piece of fruit, or a handful of nuts. These not only satisfy hunger pangs but also provide a fiber boost. Preparing these snacks ahead of time makes it easier to make fiber-rich choices when you’re in a hurry or on the go.
Upgrade Your Grains
Choose whole grains over refined ones whenever possible. Whole grain bread, brown rice, and quinoa are not only tastier but also richer in fiber. These swaps can easily be made in any meal, enhancing both its flavor profile and nutritional value.
Experiment with Legumes
Legumes are incredibly versatile and a powerhouse of nutrition, especially fiber. Try adding beans to salads, using lentils in place of ground meat, or experimenting with chickpea-based recipes like falafel. Each addition introduces a new texture and flavor, making your meals more interesting and fibrous.
Fiber-Rich Desserts
Yes, desserts can be fiber-rich too! Bake with whole grain flours, incorporate fruits like apples or pears, or use nuts for crunch. These ingredients can transform any dessert into a guilt-free treat that still satisfies your sweet tooth while contributing to your daily fiber goal.
Incorporating more fiber into your diet is about making small, manageable changes that add up over time. With a bit of creativity and exploration, you can enjoy a diverse, flavorful, and fiber-rich diet that supports your gut health and overall well-being.
The Importance of Community
Transitioning to a new dietary lifestyle is often more manageable with the support of a community or network of individuals with similar interests. Online forums, local meetups, and plant-based cooking classes are excellent resources for encouragement, sharing experiences, and gathering valuable tips for those new to plant-based eating with a focus on gut health. The Gut Health Revolution Course has a wonderful community centered around the whole food, plant-based lifestyle, aiming to significantly improve your gut health!
Embracing the Fiber-Rich Life: A Path to Vibrant Health
As we wrap up our fiber-filled exploration, it’s clear that fiber is not just a dietary necessity but a cornerstone of a vibrant, plant-based lifestyle. The journey through the types of fiber, their sources, and their myriad benefits for gut health highlights an undeniable truth: embracing fiber-rich foods can transform our health in profound ways.
Fiber, in its humble essence, does more than just aid digestion. It’s a catalyst for a healthier, more energetic life. Its roles, from nurturing a balanced gut microbiome to preventing chronic diseases and aiding in weight management, illustrate fiber’s multifaceted impact on our well-being. The journey through the plant-based kingdom, with its legions of legumes, whole grains, vegetables, and fruits, showcases the abundance and variety available to those who choose to embrace this lifestyle. Each meal is an opportunity to nourish not only the body but also the soul, with vibrant colors, textures, and flavors.
Incorporating more fiber into our diet is an adventure—a chance to experiment with new foods, recipes, and eating habits. It’s about making intentional choices that align with our health goals and ethical values. The practical tips provided, from starting the day with a fiber-rich breakfast to indulging in fiber-packed desserts, offer a roadmap for this journey. They demonstrate that increasing our fiber intake is not only achievable but also enjoyable.
Moreover, this exploration underscores the importance of diversity in our diet. Just as a tapestry is more robust and beautiful for the variety of threads woven into it, so too is our health enhanced by a diverse intake of fibrous foods. Each type of fiber, each plant-based food, brings its unique benefits, contributing to a holistic picture of health that extends beyond the gut to encompass our entire being.
As we conclude, let’s remember that the path to a healthier, more fulfilling life is paved with fiber-rich, plant-based foods. It’s a path that invites creativity, demands mindfulness, and rewards with vitality. Whether you’re a seasoned plant-based eater or just beginning to explore this lifestyle, the world of fiber offers endless possibilities for enrichment and joy.
Embracing fiber is more than a dietary choice; it’s a commitment to nurturing our bodies, protecting our health, and celebrating the bounty of the plant-based world. Let this journey through fiber’s wonders inspire you to make choices that not only satisfy your palate but also support your health and the health of the planet. Here’s to a life lived with vitality, color, and, of course, plenty of fiber!
The Gut Health Revolution Course
If you are seeking a guided approach to improving gut health through plant-based eating, our “Gut Health Revolution” course, led by Gastroenterologist Dr. Alan Desmond, offers an in-depth exploration of the subject. This comprehensive 4 week course to revolutionise your gut covers everything from the science behind gut health to practical cooking demonstrations, making it an invaluable resource for anyone looking to transform their health through diet.
In addition to the course, you will get access to over 600 delicious, plant-based recipes, 100s of yoga lessons, meditations and workouts as well as access to our thriving community of like-minded people in various stages of their plant-based eating journey.
In this episode, we’re thrilled to have Dan Kittredge, the founder and executive director of the Bionutrient Institute. Dan is a lifelong organic farmer and an expert in nutrient density. Through his work, he aims to improve the quality of food by focusing on soil health and farming practices that enhance nutrient content. His passion for sustainable agriculture and deep understanding of the link between soil health and human health makes this a truly inspiring episode.
Episode 168
Main Topics Covered:
The Journey to Nutrient Density: Dan shares his personal journey from organic farming to founding the Bionutrient Institute and his mission to improve food quality through nutrient density.
Understanding Soil Health: A deep dive into the importance of soil health, how it impacts the nutrient content of food, and practical steps farmers can take to enhance soil quality.
Bionutrient Food Association: The role and initiatives of the Bionutrient Food Association in promoting nutrient-rich farming practices and supporting farmers.
Measuring Nutrient Density: An overview of the tools and techniques developed by the Bionutrient Institute to measure nutrient density in crops and why this is crucial for consumer health.
Consumer Awareness and Education: How increasing consumer awareness about nutrient density can drive demand for healthier food options and support sustainable agriculture.
Challenges and Solutions in Agriculture: Discussing the common challenges faced by farmers in adopting nutrient-dense farming practices and the solutions proposed by the Bionutrient Institute.
Future of Agriculture: Dan’s vision for the future of agriculture, where nutrient density and soil health are prioritized to improve global food systems.
Tune in to gain valuable insights into the world of nutrient density, sustainable farming, and the future of our food systems. Whether you’re a farmer, a consumer, or simply someone interested in the quality of the food you eat, this episode is packed with actionable information and inspiring ideas.
Lots of love,
Dave & Steve
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This alcohol-free elderflower champagne uses the natural yeasts on elderflowers and in the air for gentle fermentation, resulting in a slightly fizzy, floral beverage. We were so amazed by the complexity of flavour that developed in such a short fermentation time!
Takes 6 daysdays30 minutesminutes
Serves 8
Ingredients
Elderflowers:
10-12elderflower heads
Water:
4litres16 cups
Sugar:
500g17.6 oz
Citrus:
2large limesorganic, if possible
White Wine Vinegar:
2tbsp
Instructions
Prepare the Elderflower Infusion:
Pick and Clean Elderflowers: Pick 10-12 elderflower heads, ensuring they are fully open and fragrant. Shake gently to remove any insects but do not rinse as the natural yeasts on the flowers are essential for fermentation.
Boil the Water: Boil 2 litres (8 cups) of water and pour it into a large, heatproof bowl or container.
Add Sugar: Add 500g (17.6 oz) of sugar to the hot water and stir until completely dissolved.
Cool the Water: Add the remaining 2 litres (8 cups) of cold water to the bowl to cool the mixture down to lukewarm temperature.
Prepare the Limes: Thinly slice 2 large limes, removing any seeds.
Add Ingredients: Add the elderflower heads, lime slices, and 2 tbsp of white wine vinegar to the sugar water mixture.
Start Fermentation:
Cover and Ferment: Cover the bowl with a clean cloth and let it sit at room temperature for 2-3 days. Stir the mixture once a day. You should start to see some bubbles forming, indicating that fermentation has begun.
Bottle and Continue Fermentation:
Strain and Bottle: After 2-3 days, strain the liquid through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into clean, sterilised bottles. Seal the bottles tightly.
Ferment Further: Leave the bottled elderflower champagne at room temperature for another 3-4 days to build up carbonation.
Chill and Serve:
Refrigerate: After the second fermentation period, refrigerate the bottles for at least 24 hours before serving.
Serve: Carefully open the bottles to release the built-up carbonation, pour into glasses, and enjoy your naturally fizzy, alcohol-free elderflower champagne!
Notes
Notes
Natural Yeasts: Do not wash the elderflowers, as the natural yeasts on them are crucial for fermentation.
Fermentation Time: The fermentation time may vary depending on the temperature and yeast activity. Monitor the bottles carefully to avoid over-carbonation.
Safety: Use sturdy bottles designed for carbonation to prevent any risk of explosion.
This recipe harnesses natural fermentation, providing a delightful fizzy drink without any added yeast. Enjoy responsibly!
When I first started dating my wife Sabrina I used to get jealous when she would go out to parties or events without me. When she was away travelling for work or pleasure without me I would get jealous when she would talk about other guys she had met. I didn’t acknowledge this to her at the start but over time I couldn’t suppress it anymore and I was forced to look at it with her supportive help. Possibly on some level I may not have felt worthy or good enough that she would stay with me. We have now been together for 8 years and married for nearly 3 years. I remember that I sometimes felt embarrassed by my jealousy but I couldn’t help it. I don’t remember feeling jealous over the last few years, I know it has and possibly will provide a great opportunity for growth for me.
I used to see insecurities – like my jealousy – as really negative, uncomfortable parts of myself that I just wanted to hide from everyone. I certainly didn’t want to acknowledge or share these insecurities, I preferred to sweep them under the metaphorical mat. I preferred to project the childish illusion that I was different and didn’t have any insecurities, that I had my ‘sh*t’ together.
Recently while soaking in the bath, (my chosen place of solitude to reflect and pontificate) I was ruminating over the idea that insecurities and the pieces that we find most uncomfortable about ourselves can likely be our greatest teachers, our greatest opportunities for growth and increasing awareness.
Failure being a better teacher than success
To share another example, I recently watched a clip of Ed Sheeran discussing his success. He emphasised that his achievements were due to hard work, not just raw talent. The interviewer suggested he was being humble, but Ed insisted otherwise. He pointed to a song he had published on YouTube at 14, four years before his breakthrough. His singing was rough, just as he described. Ed explained that failure had shaped him. He failed repeatedly until he could sing melodies and harmonies proficiently. “Success teaches you nothing,” he said. “Failure is the best teacher of all.” It’s humbling and often tough to swallow, but it builds real character.
This perspective on failure aligns with my own experiences. My insecurities, once seen as weaknesses, have provided opportunities for growth and self-awareness. Embracing failure and insecurity, rather than hiding from them, allows us to learn and grow. Just as Ed Sheeran didn’t shy away from his early, imperfect music, we can embrace our insecurities as part of our journey toward self-understanding and personal growth.
The wisdom of insecurity.
Most of us unconsciously try to control our environment to varying degrees – with the goal to feel more secure. For example, we may look for security in our day to day jobs, for permanent contracts with good benefits like health insurance. We may marry to help provide some form of security that our spouse will not leave us as long as we are married. We may have pensions to help give us some financial security for the future. We are living trying to mitigate some future worries in the hope that we feel more secure and in control now.
The illusion of security?
While all this feels relatable to some degree, I wonder if this way of thinking is an illusion? We are not even in control of our own bodies, most processes happen automatically, breathing for example, it happens whether we are aware of it or not, the same goes for digestion, healing, pumping blood etc.
On a larger scale, each of us is just one among nearly 9 billion people living on a dynamic, ever-changing planet. We are part of complex webs of natural ecological systems, constantly in flux, alongside intricate human-made political and governing structures. This vast, unpredictable environment shows how the idea of security is an illusion and highlights the need to embrace life’s uncertainties.
I remember my granny, May, who died at 92, had most of her money in AIB bank stocks. Her husband, my grandfather, worked there, so they invested their savings in these seemingly safe, blue-chip stocks. However, the 2008 financial crash wiped out their value entirely. This experience highlights the illusion of security. Even the safest investments can become unstable, showing that true security is elusive and reinforcing the need to embrace life’s inherent uncertainties.
As is often said, change is the only real constant. I remember doing a 10-day silent meditation retreat in Boston over 22 years ago. We got up at 4:30 AM and meditated for about 14 hours a day in complete silence, with no reading, writing, or eye contact. One key message reinforced every day was that change is the only constant. This experience made me realise how true this is and highlighted the illusion of security. By accepting and embracing change, we can better handle life’s uncertainties and grow from our insecurities.
Embracing the insecurity of life
Uncertainty is deeply challenging, particularly with the rate of change that new tech is forcing upon us. However, the very nature of life is uncertainty. Parts of me wish it wasn’t as then it might be more predictable and controllable.
I think cultivating a deeper capacity to let go and not resist change is key to not ‘breaking’. I have a good few friends who have gone through tough burnouts. They were high achievers who worked really hard and also had high tendencies toward control. Yet ultimately their burnouts were a really tough messenger to help them to let go, to redefine their relationship with work and control by setting better boundaries and learning to let go of this idea of perfection. Trying to control something that is uncontrollable simply creates anxiety. Learning to let go and be more present with what is unfolding could possibly be a better strategy for feeling happier.
Vulnerability – the ultimate connector
Insecurities make us more human and relatable yet most of us – like me – try to hide these feelings from others. I get it, I do the very same, as feeling vulnerable is uncomfortable. You usually feel exposed, sensitive and a bit raw and your ego and pride are suppressed.
In my twenties I used to be so proud of any of my accomplishments and was only too happy to share them with anyone who was interested. I suppose I had an inflated sense of ego and then with the rise of social media this only added petrol to the fire. Maybe it is getting older or maybe it is spending much less time on social media and the endless game of likes and popularity but I feel much less concerned with impressing people. I like to think maybe I am just becoming more comfortable with my insecurities.
Most of us project an image of self-confidence and having our lives together. However, on the inside, we often feel insecure and vulnerable, sometimes even dealing with imposter syndrome daily. I believe we connect much more through these tender, insecure feelings than through our achievements and strengths. Everyone can relate to insecurities, challenges, and vulnerabilities. Embracing these aspects of ourselves can lead to deeper, more meaningful connections, embodying the wisdom of insecurity.
I think a key piece to feeling happier is becoming more ‘friendly’ with our insecurities and vulnerabilities. Insecurities are really tough and everyone deals with them, our internal struggles are likely much more relatable than any accomplishments we may have had.
What do you think? What insecurities drive you? I would love to know your thoughts. Thank you for taking the time to read this. If you want to add to the conversation leave a comment below and if you want to read some of my other happier columns I have written 13 now, you can find my previous Happier columns here
Courgette Fritters with a Tzatziki Tahini Cream and Chilli Sauce
Courgettes (zucchini) are in season in early summer, and when they arrive, there are so many of them! We came up with this recipe because on the farm, the courgettes and cucumbers came to fruit around the same time. The combination of a crispy fried fritter with the cooling acidity of this cucumber tzatziki tahini cream is amazing. If making courgette flower fritters, just remove the stamen, inside the flower, and add in some of the filling and fry for a beautiful, delicious seasonal treat!
Takes 25 minutesminutes
Serves 2
Ingredients
Fritters
300gcourgetteszucchini (10.6 oz)
2clovesof garlic
1/2red chillioptional
1/2bunch of scallionsspring onions (approx 4)
240gtinned butter beans8.5 oz
Small bunch of fresh mint or coriandercilantro (10g) (0.35 oz)
Juice of 1/2 lemon
2tsplemon zest
4tbspregular flour or gram flourchickpea flour
1/2tspsalt
1/2tspblack pepper
Cucumber Tahini Tzatziki
1/2cucumberor 2 snacking cucumbers
400gnatural soy yoghurt14.1 oz
8tbsplight tahini
Zest and juice of 1/2 lemon
Pinchof salt
1cloveof garlic
To Garnish
Chilli sauce (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions
Make the Fritters:
Prepare the Courgettes: Grate 300g (10.6 oz) of courgettes into a muslin cloth or sieve, sprinkle with a pinch of salt,and leave to sit for about 5 minutes.
Prepare the Other Ingredients: Meanwhile, peel and finely chop 2 cloves of garlic, finely dice 1/2 red chilli, and finely chop 1/2 bunch of scallions. Drain and rinse the tin of butter beans. Finely chop a small bunch (10g or 0.35 oz) of mint or coriander.
Squeeze the Courgettes: After 5 minutes, squeeze all the juice out of the courgettes and drink or discard the liquid. Place the courgettes in a large bowl.
Mix the Batter: Zest 1/2 lemon and in the zest and juice of 1/2 lemon into the bowl. Add the garlic, chilli, scallions, butter beans, mint, 4 tbsp flour, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix and mash using a potato masher or fork until well combined.
Form the Fritters: Using your hands, take the equivalent of 2 tablespoons of the batter and roll into small fritters (disk shape).
Cook the Fritters: Heat a non-stick pan over high heat, add 1-2 tbsp of oil, and fry the fritters for a few minutes on each side until golden brown (approx 2 minutes on each side). Repeat until all are cooked. You can cook them in an airfryer or oven for a lower oil version.
Make the Tahini Cream:
Prepare the Cucumber: Grate 1/2 cucumber into a sieve, add a pinch of salt, and let sit for a few minutes.
Mix the Tahini Cream: In a bowl, mix 400g (14.1 oz) soy yoghurt, 8 tbsp tahini, zest and juice of 1/2 lemon, mint, a pinch of salt, and 1 finely chopped garlic clove. Add the grated cucumber and mix well. Adjust seasoning to taste. Drink the remaining cucumber juice which should taste sweeter than the courgette juice or you could discard it.
Serve:
Plate the Fritters: Divide the tzatziki cream between 2-3 plates.
Add the Fritters: Divide the courgette fritters between the plates.
Information would tell you that rhubarb is technically a vegetable but wisdom says not to include it in soup! It is typically used in sweet dishes and here we combine it with apricot to make an incredible summer bakewell. One of our all-time favourite desserts! Steve was working in the kitchen recently and we got a delivery from the farm with rhubarb and a box of bruised apricots came in and that was the inspiration for this dish!
Takes 1 hourhour10 minutesminutes
Serves 12
Ingredients
1sheet pre rolled vegan shortcrust pastry320g
Rhubarb and apricot jam
200grhubarb
200gfresh apricots
50mlwater
200gcaster sugar
Frangipane
200gground almonds
175gcaster sugar
125gself raising flour
150mlplant based butter
120mlwater
1tspalmond extract
25gflaked almonds
Instructions
Make the Jam
This is technically more of a compote than jam which actually makes it easier to work with and quicker to make. Using a small knife cut the apricots in half, remove the stone and slice into thin slices. Finely slice the rhubarb. In a large saucepan add the sugar, water, and mix until the sugar dissolves in the water then add the rhubarb and half of the apricots. Turn the heat on high, bring to the boil and reduce to a simmer for 15 mins, stirring occasionally until the rhubarb has broken down and it starts to thicken and resemble a very thick soup. If you don't like texture you can blend till smooth but we prefer to leave some fruit pieces in it. Set aside to cool.
Preheat oven to 180 C fan assisted.
Roll out pastry and blind bake
Defrost the pastry if using frozen.
Roll out the pastry. Line a 25 x 18cm (3.5cm deep) sized dish with parchment paper. Transfer the pastry to the tray and trim it to roughly fit your tray (no need to bring it up the sides).
Next we have to blind bake pastry. To do this, line with another sheet of parchment paper on top of the pastry and fill with cooking beans or dried beans (approx 200g). Bake in the oven for 10 mins – remove the beans and top baking parchment, and pop back in the oven for 5 mins so the base cooks. Remove and allow to cool.
Make frangipane
Make the frangipane while pastry is blind baking. Sieve the flour and sugar into the almond meal in a large mixing bowl with a pinch of salt and mix to combine with a whisk so there are no lumps. For the wet ingredients, melt the butter and mix it with the almond extract and 120ml of water until well combined. Add into the dry ingredients. Mix until combined into a smooth batter.
Add jam layer on top of pastry
Add the rhubarb and apricot jam to the cooked cooled pastry and spread an even layer over the pastry.
Add frangipane on top and bake
Carefully spoon the frangipane or almond mixture on top of the jam layer. It will be quite a thick batter so carefully spread it over the jam so it’s fully covered.
Spread the remaining sliced apricots over the frangipane in a design or pattern that you like, we went for 5 layers and scatter the flaked almonds over the top.
Bake for 50 mins until golden on top and a skewer comes out dry or almost dry. Remove from the oven and allow to cool fully in the tray before cutting. We like to cut our bakewells into thin slices or else fingers, approx 3 x 6 cm (you should get 12-18 fingers) but portion into your preferred size and slice. Enjoy!