If you’re feeling tired more often than you’d like, iron absorption might be part of the picture. This vibrant juice pairs iron-rich greens with plenty of natural vitamin C to help your body absorb it more effectively. Earthy beetroot, bright citrus and a gentle kick of ginger and turmeric make it both functional and delicious.
Takes 10 minutesminutes
Serves 2
Ingredients
60gfresh spinachabout 2 packed cups
200graw beetrootpeeled and chopped (about 1½ cups)
2medium orangespeeled (approx. 250 g flesh / 1½ cups)
½lemonpeeled (approx. 30 g / 2 tbsp juice equivalent)
10gfresh gingerabout 1 tbsp grated
5gfresh turmeric or ½ tsp ground turmericabout 1 tsp grated fresh
100–150 ml cold water⅓–½ cup, optional to loosen
Instructions
Wash all produce thoroughly. Peel the beetroot if the skin is tough; otherwise scrub well.
Chop the beetroot into small chunks to help your juicer or blender.
Pass everything through a juicer, alternating between leafy greens and firmer ingredients.
These might not be the most traditional kebabs, but they’re a fun, high-protein twist on classic koftas. Packed with warming spices and fresh herbs, they’re hearty, flavourful and brilliant served with flatbread and hummus for an easy, satisfying meal.
Takes 30 minutesminutes
Serves 4
Ingredients
For the koftas
60gtomato purée4 tbsp
½red onionabout 75g, very finely chopped
500gfirm tofu
12gground cumin2 tbsp
6gground coriander1 tbsp
½tspturmeric powder
½tspchilli powder
1tspsmoked paprika
1tspcumin seeds
Juice of ½ lemon or limeabout 15ml / 1 tbsp
¾tspsalt
Pinchof black pepper
40gchickpea flour4 tbsp
25gfresh corianderfinely chopped (about 1 cup loosely packed)
30mltamari or soy sauce2 tbsp
3–4 tbsp olive oilfor frying
For the herb oil
15gfresh corianderabout ½ cup loosely packed
45mlolive oil3 tbsp
30mlrice vinegar2 tbsp
15mlmaple syrup1 tbsp
1tspchilli powder or chilli flakes
For the chopped salad
200gripe tomatoesabout 1½ cups diced
150gcucumberabout 1 cup diced
15gfresh parsleyfinely chopped (about ½ cup loosely packed)
15mlolive oil1 tbsp
¼tspsalt
To serve
4flatbreads
1tub The Happy Pear Organic Hummus
Instructions
Make the kofta mixture:
Crumble the tofu into a large bowl using your hands. Add the tomato purée, red onion, spices, cumin seeds, lemon or lime juice, salt, pepper, chickpea flour, fresh coriander and tamari or soy sauce. Mix very well until fully combined.
If the mixture feels a little crumbly, pulse it briefly with an immersion blender to help it bind – you still want some texture, so don’t over-blend.
Shape the mixture into 8-10 kofta-style logs or small patties with your hands.
Cook the koftas:
Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Shallow fry the koftas for 3–4 minutes on each side, turning carefully, until golden and crisp on the outside. Remove and drain on kitchen paper.
Make the herb oil:
Finely chop the coriander and mix with the olive oil, rice vinegar, maple syrup and chilli. Stir well and set aside.
Prepare the chopped salad:
In a bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, cucumber and parsley. Add the olive oil and salt, then mix well to combine.
Serve:
Warm the flatbreads. Spread each with a generous spoonful of hummus, top with the golden koftas, add a handful of chopped salad and drizzle generously with the herb oil. Serve immediately.
These savoury chickpea flour crêpes are naturally gluten-free, high in protein and perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner. Each one has approx 4g protein, and they also work great as wraps for lunches and meal prep! We used the Cuisinart Blast & Go to blend the batter and cashew cream, which makes everything super smooth in seconds and keeps the prep really simple.
Takes 20 minutesminutes
Serves 4
Ingredients
Crêpes Ingredients:
120gchickpea flour1 cup
220mlwater1 cup
½tspmaple syrup
1tspolive oil
½tspsalt
Cashew Cream Ingredients:
30gcashew nutsabout ¼ cup
Juice of ½ lemon
Pinchof salt
½tspgarlic powder
90mlwaterabout ⅓ cup + 1 tbsp
To Serve
100gbaby spinachabout 4 cups loosely packed
25gpickled red onionsabout 2 tbsp
Instructions
Make the batter: Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.
Cook the crepes: Heat a non-stick frying pan over medium heat and lightly oil if needed. Pour in enough batter to thinly coat the base of the pan. Cook for 2–3 minutes until set, then flip and cook for another 1–2 minutes.Repeat with the remaining batter.
Make the Cashew Cream: Blend all ingredients until completely smooth and creamy. Add a splash more water if needed to loosen.
Serve: Spread the cashew cream over each crêpe, add spinach and pickled red onions, then roll and serve.
Cabbage is set to be one of the biggest food trends of 2026, and we couldn't be happier as we adore this humble vegetable! This is honestly one of the best ways we’ve ever eaten it! Sweet, smoky, spicy and soft in the centre, this is a must-try for both cabbage lovers and cabbage sceptics alike.
Takes 30 minutesminutes
Serves 2
Ingredients
Charred Gochujang Cabbage
1head York cabbageabout 800g–1kg
30–45g gochujang or chilli paste2–3 tbsp
30–45ml olive oil2–3 tbsp
Generous pinch of salt
To Serve
150gThe Happy Pear Organic Hummus1 tub
Herb Vinaigrette
15gfresh corianderabout ½ cup loosely packed
45mlolive oil3 tbsp
30mlrice vinegar2 tbsp
15mlmaple syrup1 tbsp
1tspchilli powder or chilli flakes
Instructions
Method
Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan).
Cut the cabbage in half lengthways. Spoon the gochujang into the centre of each half and spread slightly.
Heat an ovenproof pan or non-stick frying pan over high heat. Once hot, add 30ml (2 tbsp) olive oil.
Place the cabbage cut-side down (gochujang side down) into the pan with a generous pinch of salt. Fry for about 5 minutes until nicely charred.
Flip the cabbage over — the cut side should be deeply caramelised. If using an ovenproof pan, transfer directly to the oven. Otherwise, move the cabbage to a baking tray, cut-side up.
Bake for 20 minutes, until golden, charred on the outside and soft and juicy in the centre.
Make the Herb Vinaigrette
While the cabbage is roasting, finely chop the coriander and mix with the olive oil, rice vinegar, maple syrup and chilli. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. You can leave it chunky or blend until smooth – whichever you prefer.
To Serve
Spoon the hummus onto a serving plate. Place the roasted cabbage on top and drizzle generously with the herb vinaigrette.
These three savoury crepes are simple, flexible, and brilliant for lunches, dinners or batch-cooking for the week ahead. They also work great to use as wraps for lunchboxes! We used our Cuisinart Blast & Go blender to whip up the batter.
Takes 20 minutesminutes
Serves 12
Ingredients
Red Lentil Wraps (approx. 9g protein per wrap)
120gchickpea flour
60gof red lentilsoaked for 2 hours
250mlwater1 cup
½tspsalt
½tspground turmeric
Spinach & Chickpea Wraps (approx. 4g protein per wrap)
120gchickpea flour1 cup
60gfresh spinachabout 2 packed cups
250mlwater1 cup
½tspsalt
Optional: ¼ tsp turmeric or black pepper
Chickpea & Beetroot Wraps (approx. 7g protein per wrap)
120gchickpea flour
60gcooked beetroot
250mlwater
½tspsalt
Instructions
For each of the pancake:
Add all ingredients for each batter to the Cusinart Blast and Go Portable blender and blend till smooth. The batter should be not to thick nor not to thin.
Heat a non stick pan on high heat, once hot reduce to medium heat add add a drizzle of oil
Cook for 1–2 minutes until set, flip, and cook for another minute.
Repeat with the remaining batter.
Serving Ideas
Fill with hummus, roasted veg, leafy greens and seeds
Use as a tortilla alternative for tacos or wraps
Batch-cook and store in the fridge for up to 3 days
Keeping active is just as important for our health as eating well. Over the past 40 years, numerous studies have examined the relationship between physical activity and health, and the results show that regular exercise reduces the risk of heart disease, diabetes, breast cancer, colon cancer, stroke, depression and obesity.
A sedentary lifestyle is one of the biggest risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Regular exercise may cut the risk of dying from heart disease by half. In fact, people who are not regularly physically active have a 20-30% increased risk of death from any disease than those who do at least half an hour of exercise five days a week. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), in 2010, 23% of adults worldwide were not doing enough exercise.
Stay active throughout the day
It’s good to aim to be active in as many ways as possible throughout the day and limit the amount of time spent sitting for long periods. The WHO recommends that adults between 18 and 64 do a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise per week.
The heart is a muscle and just like all the other muscles in our bodies, it needs to be exercised to keep fit, so that it can pump blood efficiently around the body. Without exercise, the body slowly loses its strength, stamina and ability to function well. According to the New Zealand Heart Foundation, for every two hours of exercise, you gain about two hours of additional life expectancy!
Regular exercise helps in the following ways:
Prevent heart disease
Lower the risk of high blood pressure, stroke and diabetes
Reduce blood pressure in people who already have high blood pressure
Help to reduce stress and tension
Help to control weight
Advice for starting out:
If you are new to exercise it’s best to start out with small steps, rather signing up for a marathon straight away! Aim for an achievable amount of exercise that is manageable for you and your lifestyle, such as a walk on your lunchbreak, or cycling home from work- something that realistically fits into your life, so that you are setting yourself up for success.
Top Tips:
Small amounts are best to begin with- if you are not used to being active, start with even ten minutes a day and gradually build up to 30 minutes a day
Find an activity that you enjoy – it can be anything from walking to rollerblading!
Ask a friend or family member to join in! Why not sign up for a Zumba class with a friend!
Set an achievable daily target
Brisk walking is a great option as it is accessible to everyone and free – all you need are a comfortable pair of shoes. However, all types of movement count, even taking the stairs, housework and gardening are great ways to fit exercise into the day. There are so many different types of exercise that it’s a good idea to try different activities out and see what you enjoy. From boxing to surfing, rock climbing to yoga, there is something out there for everyone! So, what are you waiting for? Lace up your trainers, get out and get moving!
Flu Buster Shots
These fresh turmeric and ginger golden shots are a lovely little zingy pick-me-up, packed with bold flavour and vibrant colour. Turmeric naturally contains curcumin, and adding a pinch of black pepper and a splash of coconut oil is a simple, traditional kitchen trick often used when cooking with it. Juicing breaks everything down into an easy-to-drink shot, which many people find gentle on the tummy and super convenient. Perfect if you’re short on time but still want to add a bit of extra veg to your day.
Takes 10 minutesminutes
Serves 20
Ingredients
3oranges
2lemons
2limes
100gfresh ginger
35gfresh turmeric
1red chilli
1/2tspground turmeric
1/8tspblack pepper
½tspcoconut oil
Instructions
Peel your oranges and lemons.
Add all of the ingredients into Nama J2 juicer and juice except the black pepper and coconut oil and juice. Melt the coconut oil in a pot and add the fresh juice along with the ground black pepper and mix.
Drink a 50ml shot each day for an immune boost or freeze in an ice tray and dissolve in hot water for a beautiful immunity tea
This high-protein, high-fibre nourish bowl is full of colour, texture and flavour. We’re using our Cuisinart TriZone Airfryer to cook crispy spiced quinoa, golden lentil nuggets, and perfectly roasted turmeric cauliflower & kale, all in one go. Finished with creamy avocado, tangy crimson sauerkraut and crunchy seeds, each bowl provides approx. 25 g protein and 26 g fibre per serving.
Takes 45 minutesminutes
Serves 3
Ingredients
Lentil Nuggets (Protein Boosted)
1x 400g2 cups can of cooked green/brown lentils (250g or 1 ½ cup net weight), drained
1x 400g2 cups can of cooked chickpeas (250g or 1 ½ cup net weight), drained
2tbsptamari
60grolled oats½ cup
2tbspground flaxseed
2tbspnutritional yeast
1small onionfinely diced
2garlic clovesgrated
1tspsmoked paprika
1tspground cumin
½tspturmeric
Zest of ½ lemon
Salt & black pepper
1–2 tbsp olive oil
Crispy Spiced Quinoa
200gcooked quinoa1¼ cups, well drained
1tbspolive oil
1tspsmoked paprika
½tspground cumin
½tspgarlic powder
Pinchof salt
Turmeric Cauliflower & Kale
1small cauliflower600 g, cut into florets
80gcurly kaletough stems removed
1½tbspolive oil
1tspturmeric
½tspcumin
½tspsalt
Black pepper
Avocado Cream
1ripe avocado
Juice of ½ lemon
1small garlic clove
½tspsalt
To Serve
120gcrimson sauerkraut¾ cup
30gmixed seedspumpkin, sesame, sunflower
Fresh herbsparsley or coriander, finely chopped
Instructions
Make the Lentil Nuggets
Mash lentils roughly in a large bowl — keep some texture.
Stir in oats, flaxseed, nutritional yeast, onion, garlic, spices, lemon zest, salt and pepper.
Form into small oval nuggets.
Brush or spray lightly with olive oil.
Airfry in one TriZone basket at 180°C for 30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.
Make the Crispy Spiced Quinoa
Toss cooked quinoa with olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder and salt.
Spread thinly in a separate airfryer zone.
Airfry at 180°C for 30 minutes, shaking every 4–5 minutes until golden and crispy.
Roast Turmeric Cauliflower & Kale
Toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, turmeric, cumin, salt and pepper.
Airfry at 180°C for 30 minutes, until tender and golden at the edges.
Add kale for the final 4–5 minutes, allowing it to crisp slightly without burning.
Make Avocado Cream
Blend avocado, lemon juice, garlic, and salt until smooth.
Add water or plant yoghurt gradually until drizzleable.
Assemble the Nourish Bowl
Place roasted turmeric cauliflower & kale as the base in each bowl.
Spoon over crispy spiced quinoa.
Nestle lentil nuggets on top.
Drizzle generously with avocado cream.
Add a small mound of crimson sauerkraut.
Finish with fresh herbs and 10 g seeds per bowl (remaining can be sprinkled).
This is a super filling, colourful, and nourishing meal that works beautifully for meal prep or a weekend treat.
Soup in an airfryer? Might sound like a crazy idea but this really works, the airfryer does all the work and we simply heat and blend and decorate with some crispy chickpeas, breaded tofu and some chili oil for an incredibly tasty and comforting soup!
Takes 45 minutesminutes
Serves 4
Ingredients
Soup
1kgcarrots
1large onion
3clovesgarlic
1/2thumb-sized piece fresh ginger
2tbspolive oil or coconut oil
2–3 tbsp Thai red curry paste
1x 400ml tin full-fat coconut milk
750mlvegetable stockhot
Juice of 1 lime
2tbspsoy sauce or tamari
Salt & black pepperto taste
Crispy Tofu
200gfirm tofupressed and cubed
½tspgarlic powder
2tbsptamari
Pinchsalt
1tbspcorn flour
50gbread crumbs
Crispy Chickpeas
1x 400 g tin chickpeasdrained, rinsed & dried well
1tbspolive oil
½tspsmoked paprika
Salt
Chilli oil
1tspchilli powder
3tbspolive oil
Instructions
Air-fry the Veg
Peel and finely chop the onion, ginger and garlic and finely slice the carrots. Add the carrots, onion, garlic and ginger to a large bowl.
Drizzle with the oil, season with a pinch of salt and toss well.
Transfer to the air fryer and cook at 180°C for 25 minutes, shaking halfway, until soft and lightly caramelised.
Make the toppings
Make the Crispy chickpeas :
Drain and rinse the chickpeas. Toss them with the oil, paprika and salt and mix well. Air fry at 190°C for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway, until golden and crispy.
Cook the Tofu:
Rip the tofu up into chunks that are approx 1-2cm cubed. Toss the tofu with the cornflour, pinch of salt and the garlic powder and mix well, next add the tamari and mix well and finally add bread crumbs and mix until coated. Spay with a little oil and air fry at 190°C for 15-20 minutes, shaking halfway, until crunchy.
In a small bowl mix together the chilli powder and oil and mix well.
Blend the Soup:
Take the soup out ensuring that the carrots are soft. Add the roasted veg to a large pot or bowl.
Add the thai red curry paste, coconut milk, vegetable stock, tamari and lime juice.
Use an immersion blender to blitz until completely smooth and creamy.
Gently heat on the hob for 5–10 minutes, stirring, until hot.
Taste and adjust seasoning — add more lime, salt, curry paste or a touch of sweetness if needed.
Today’s episode is sponsored by Cuisinart – start the new year off right with one of our favourite kitchen appliances; the Blast and Go. It’s a portable blender that we’ve been utilising a lot, making smoothies for our kids on trips away and we can see it making healthy eating on the go more convenient for everyone.
The Blast and Go is usually 69.99 but Cuisinart are offering it to you for 44.99 with a free travel cup using this link https://www.cuisinart.co.uk/cuisinart-blast-go-portable-blender-PBL100U.html
Episode 184
Todays podcast guest is a great man with an amazing message! Jean-Martin Fortier is a Québécois farmer, author, educator and advocate for ecological, human-scale, and economically viable sustainable agriculture. He’s a renowned worldwide as a leading expert in the field of human-scale organic regenerative agriculture. He marches to the beat of his own drum and we love that about him and we really hope this episode inspires you!
Dave & Steve
Lots of love,
SPONSORS & DISCOUNT CODES:
Cuisinart – the partner we have dreamed of! Cuisinart has been cooking up reliable kitchen gear for over 50 years – helping to make mealtimes easier and more enjoyable! Check out the following link for more details.
Rich, fudgy, and naturally sweetened with dates—these brownie bites come together in minutes and are perfect as a nourishing treat or snack. No refined sugar, no flour, just plant-powered indulgence! We make these for our kids at home and they’re great to keep in the fridge for when the sweet craving hits!
Takes 15 minutesminutes
Serves 12
Ingredients
For the bites:
200g1 cup tightly packed pitted dates
100g¾ cup almonds or walnuts
2tbspalmond or peanut butter
15g3 tbsp cocoa or cacao powder
1tspvanilla extract
Pinchof sea salt
1tspespresso powderoptional
2–3 tbsp wateras needed to blend
For the coating:
150g1 cup dark chocolate
1tspcoconut oiloptional, for smoother melt
Flaky sea saltto finish
Instructions
Soften the dates (if needed):
If your dates are firm or dry, soak them in hot water for 5–10 minutes, then drain well.
Blend the base:
In a food processor, pulse 100g nuts until finely ground.
Plant-Based Shepherd’s Pie with Gratin Potato & Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto
This hearty plant-based shepherd’s pie is a comforting twist on a classic. Rich, meaty mushrooms and nutty brown lentils form the base, topped with thinly sliced gratin-style potatoes for a golden, crispy finish. A swirl of vibrant sun-dried tomato pesto adds depth and a subtle tang, making it perfect for a cosy weeknight dinner or a special gathering.
Takes 1 hourhour20 minutesminutes
Serves 4
Ingredients
Filling
2tbspolive oil30 ml
1large onionfinely chopped (150 g / 1 cup)
1carrotdiced (150 g / 1 cup)
1celery sticksdiced (120 g / 1 cup)
3garlic clovesminced
200 gmeaty mushroomsdiced (about 2 cups)
400 gtin of cooked brown lentils2.5 cusp
1tspsmoked paprika
1tspdried thyme
100mltomato purée
2tbspof tamari
500 mlvegetable stock
Salt and pepperto taste
Gratin Potato Topping
600 gpotatoespeeled and thinly sliced (about 4 medium)
2tbspolive oil30 ml
1tspgarlic powder
Salt and pepperto taste
Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto
75gThe Happy Pear Sundried Tomato Pesto
Instructions
Parboil the potatoes
Add the potatoes to a sauce pan and fill with water until the potatoes are covered and 1 tsp of salt and bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer and cook for 15 mins until the potatoes are ¾ cooked. Drain and set aside
Make the Filling
Peel and finely dice the onion, garlic and finely chop the carrot and celery into a tiny dice. Drain and rinse the lentils.
Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
Add onion, carrot, and celery. Cook 5–6 minutes until softened.
Add garlic, along with 3-4 tbsp of veg stock to deglaze the pan and cook for 1 minute more.
Add mushrooms along with a pinch of salt and cook for 7–8 minutes stirring occasionally until softened and browned.
Stir in lentils, tamari, smoked paprika, thyme, and tomato purée. Cook for 2 minutes.
Add vegetable stock and simmer with the lid off for 7-10 minutes until thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Prepare the Potato Topping
Preheat the oven to 200°C / 180°C fan / 400°F.
Carefully slice the par boiled potatoes into 1cm slices and toss with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Assemble the Pie
Spread the filling evenly in a large ovenproof dish.
Drizzle or dollop the sun-dried tomato pesto over the filling.
Layer the potato slices over the top, slightly overlapping like a gratin.
Bake for 35–40 minutes until potatoes are golden and tender.
Serve
Rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Optional: drizzle a little more sun-dried tomato pesto on top for extra colour and flavour.
This vibrant, earthy hot sauce celebrates beet season on our farm. The natural sugars in the beetroot help feed the fermentation, creating a probiotic-rich condiment that’s as beautiful as it is flavourful. A perfect balance of sweet, tangy and spicy—great on everything from roast veg to grain bowls.
Takes 7 hourshours30 minutesminutes
Serves 30
Ingredients
For Fermentation
300gfresh assorted chilliesstems removed and halved
100graw beetrootpeeled and grated or finely chopped
150graw carrotchopped
4clovesgarlicpeeled
20gfresh gingerroughly chopped
12gsea salt2 tsp
Waterto cover
For Hot Sauce
45gapple cider vinegar3 tbsp
60gmaple syrup3 tbsp
30gtamari or white miso2 tbsp
6gsea salt1 tsp
300mlwater1¼ cups
2gground black pepper½ tsp
Instructions
Ferment the chillies and beetroot (7–10 days)
Place the halved chillies, beetroot, carrot, garlic, and ginger into a 1 L sterilised jar.
Add 12 g (2 tsp) sea salt and mix gently.
Pour in filtered water until all ingredients are just covered.
Weigh down the contents with a clean fermentation weight or small plate to keep everything submerged.
Seal the jar loosely, label with the date, and leave at room temperature for 7–10 days.
Open the lid every 2 days to release pressure.
Prepare for blending
After fermentation, transfer all contents of the jar to a blender.
Blend the sauce
Add vinegar, maple syrup, tamari or miso, salt, black pepper, and water.
Blend until smooth.
Strain and season
For a smoother texture, strain the sauce through a fine sieve.
Taste and adjust the seasoning to your preference—add more maple syrup for sweetness, vinegar for tang, or tamari/miso or salt for depth.
Bottle and store
Use a funnel to pour the finished sauce into sterilised bottles or jars.
Store in the fridge for up to 3 months.
Notes & Tips
The sauce has a deep ruby colour from the beetroot.
Heat level depends on the variety of chillies used.
Adding a small cooked or roasted beetroot before blending gives a richer flavour and colour.
Makes a thoughtful homemade gift—label with the date and keep refrigerated.
So pretty and flavourful, this vibrant green dahl is smooth, creamy, spicy, and wonderfully nourishing — all ready in just 10 minutes! Packed full of greens, it makes a delicious quick dinner served with roasted pumpkin and pickled red onion.
Takes 15 minutesminutes
Serves 2
Ingredients
1tbspoilolive or coconut oil work well
2clovesgarlicpeeled and finely chopped
A thumb-sized piece of gingerpeeled and finely grated
1medium onionabout 150g, finely chopped
2× 400g tins cooked lentilswe used beluga; brown or green also work
200gspinachcavolo nero, or kale (roughly chopped; about 4 cups)
1× 400g tin coconut milk
Juice of 1 lime
1tbspcurry powder
1tbspground cumin
½tspground black pepper
Sea saltto taste
1tbsptamari or soy sauce
1tbspmaple syrup
To Garnish
Roasted pumpkin
Drizzle of coconut milk
Pickled red onion
Fresh coriander or chilli flakesoptional
Instructions
Prepare the ingredients:
Peel and finely chop the garlic and ginger. Finely chop the onion, removing any limp outer layers. Drain and rinse the tinned lentils thoroughly.
Toast the pittas:
Pop your pitta breads into the toaster on maximum heat so they’re warm and slightly crisped when ready to serve.
Cook the aromatics:
Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large saucepan over a high heat. Add the garlic, ginger, and onion, and cook for 1 minute, stirring regularly to prevent burning.
Build the dal:
Add all remaining ingredients — lentils, greens, coconut milk, lime juice, curry powder, cumin, pepper, salt, tamari, and maple syrup.
Bring to the boil, stirring occasionally to ensure nothing sticks to the bottom. Reduce to a simmer and cook for 2–3 minutes, until heated through and creamy.
Serve and garnish:
Remove from the heat. Spoon into bowls and garnish with a drizzle of coconut milk, roasted pumpkin, and pickled red onion.
Scatter over some fresh coriander or chilli flakes, and serve with warm pitta soldiers or rice on the side.
With just five ingredients, this no-bake treat is packed with fibre and is absolutely delicious! It comes together in minutes, making it the perfect healthier snack. The combination of creamy cashews, chewy dates, and rich chocolate is incredibly satisfying. Definitely worth making!
Takes 40 minutesminutes
Serves 12
Ingredients
Choc Chip Cookie Dough
120g¾ cup cashew nuts
80g½ cup pitted dates
2tablespoonsoat milk
1teaspoonpure vanilla extract
A pinch of salt
50g⅓ cup chocolate chips or cacao nibs
Chocolate Topping
150g1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
Blend the cookie dough base: In a food processor or blender, blend cashew nuts, pitted dates, oat milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until it comes together into one big ball.
Fold in the chocolate chips: Remove the dough from the processor, place it in a bowl, and fold in the chocolate chips or cacao nibs.
Flatten the dough: Line a plate with parchment paper. Place the cookie dough on top and flatten it into a large cookie shape, approximately 1cm (0.4 inches) high.
Melt the chocolate topping: Melt the chocolate chips and pour the melted chocolate evenly over the flattened cookie dough. Sprinkle with a little sea salt for extra flavour.
Set in the fridge: Transfer to the fridge and allow it to set for 30 minutes.
Slice and serve: Once the chocolate has hardened, remove from the fridge, slice into chunks, and enjoy!
This recipe takes just 5 minutes to prepare and is packed with fibre, flavour, and comfort. Using our own Happy Pear Lovely Basil Pesto, it comes together into a nourishing, wholesome dinner that’s perfect for evenings when you want something quick, tasty, and satisfying.
Takes 15 minutesminutes
Serves 2
Ingredients
1x 400g tin chickpeasabout 2 ½ cups cooked
1x 400g tin butterbeansabout 2 ½ cups cooked
200gcherry tomatoesabout 1 ¼ cups
1bunch scallions/green onionsabout 6–8, ~1 cup chopped
15gfresh basilabout 1 cup loosely packed
135gThe Happy Pear Lovely Basil Pestoabout ½ cup
200mloat milk or similar milkabout ¾ cup + 1 tbsp
5tbspbreadcrumbsabout 30g / ¼ cup
½tspmixed herbs
Drizzle olive oil~1 tbsp / 15ml
½tspsalt
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 200°C.
Drain and rinse the chickpeas and butterbeans.
Quarter the cherry tomatoes, remove the basil leaves from the stalks, and finely slice the spring onions.
Add the drained beans to a casserole dish, followed by the cherry tomatoes, basil, and spring onions.
Stir in the pesto and oat milk, then mix well. Taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking.
Sprinkle over the breadcrumbs, mixed herbs, a pinch of salt, and a drizzle of olive oil.
Decadent, creamy, and surprisingly healthy – this 2-ingredient chocolate mousse is whipped up in minutes using silken tofu and dark chocolate. A hint of orange zest, a pinch of sea salt, and a splash of pomegranate juice give it a fresh, fruity twist. Want it more indulgent? Simply add extra dark chocolate for a richer, more decadent mousse!
Takes 1 hourhour10 minutesminutes
Serves 2
Ingredients
250gsilken tofu
150gdark chocolateadd more if you want it more indulgent
Zest of ½ orange
Pinchof sea salt
1–2 tbsp pomegranate juiceoptional, for a fruity note
Instructions
Melt the chocolate
Gently melt the dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water, or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring until smooth.
Blend the tofu and chocolate
Add the silken tofu to a blender or food processor.
Pour in the melted chocolate, orange zest, sea salt, and pomegranate juice.
Blend until completely smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust with more salt or zest if desired.
Chill to set
Spoon the mousse into serving dishes or ramekins.
Chill in the fridge for at least 1–2 hours to set.
Serve
Garnish with extra orange zest, pomegranate seeds, or a sprinkle of cocoa if you like.
This fibre-packed berry smoothie is a brilliant way to start the day or refuel between meals. Loaded with berries, seeds, and whole grains, it supports gut health, keeps you fuller for longer, and tastes seriously creamy and delicious. Ready in just 5 minutes, it’s simple, nourishing, and endlessly adaptable to what you have at home.
Takes 5 minutesminutes
Serves 2
Ingredients
1cupmixed berries
2tbspoats
1tbspground flaxseed
1tbspchia seeds
1tbspnut butter
½cupunsweetened plant milk
½cupthick plant-based yogurt
½cupwater
Optional sweetness: 1–2 soft dates or 1 tsp maple syrup
Optional flavour boost: ½ tsp cinnamon or vanilla extract
Instructions
Add everything to a high-speed blender.
Blend until thick, creamy, and smooth.
Adjust thickness with a splash more water or plant milk.
A fun and festive way to serve The Happy Pear hummus, this hummus wreath makes a stunning centrepiece for any holiday table. It’s quick to assemble, packed with fresh flavours, and makes healthy eating look beautiful. Perfect for sharing at gatherings or as a creative snack platter.
Takes 10 minutesminutes
Serves 4
Ingredients
400gtub The Happy Pear hummusany flavour you prefer
Small handful fresh parsleyfinely chopped
10–12 whole cherry tomatoes
50gvegan fetaoptional, for a “snow” effect
1medium cucumber
Crackersbreadsticks, or vegetable crudités, to serve
Instructions
Prepare the plate – Place a large round plate or platter on your work surface. Put a cup or small bowl in the centre to mark out the middle of the wreath.
Form the wreath – Spoon the hummus around the cup, creating a thick, even ring. Smooth the surface with the back of a spoon.
Add greenery – Sprinkle the chopped parsley evenly over the hummus to create a fresh, leafy look.
Decorate with baubles – Arrange the cherry tomatoes evenly around the wreath as festive “baubles”.
Add snow (optional) – Crumble vegan feta over the top to mimic a dusting of snow.
Create the bow – Use a vegetable peeler or grater to create long ribbons from the cucumber. Fold and arrange the ribbons at the top of the wreath to form a decorative bow.
Serve – Remove the cup from the centre and serve with crackers, breadsticks, or crudités for dipping.
We saw the viral NYC marshmallow fluff hot chocolate and had to recreate a festive, plant-based version. We made a super-creamy pistachio hot chocolate in our Nama M1 Milk Maker, which makes the whole process incredibly easy. Then we topped it with our own vegan marshmallow fluff made from aquafaba and toasted it to perfection. Finished with pistachio and rose, it’s pure luxury.
Takes 20 minutesminutes
Serves 4
Ingredients
Pistachio Hot Chocolate (Nama M1 Milk Maker)
120gpistachio nutsabout 1 cup, shelled
700ml–1 litre water3–4 cups, depending on how creamy you want it
2datespitted
Pinchof salt
4tbspcacao powder
Optional festive additions:
Maple syrupto taste
2cinnamon sticks
2whole star anise
Vegan Marshmallow Fluff
80mlaquafabaliquid drained from 1 can of chickpeas
½cup100 g granulated sugar
¼tspcream of tartar
Garnish (optional)
Chopped pistachios
Chopped dried rose petals
Cinnamon stick
Instructions
Make the Pistachio Hot Chocolate
Add all the pistachio hot chocolate ingredients (nuts, water, dates, salt, cacao, plus optional spices) into the Nama M1 Milk Maker.
Close the lid and press start — that’s it!
Once the cycle finishes, pour the milk into a pot and warm gently on the hob.
Taste and adjust sweetness with a drizzle of maple syrup, if desired.
If using cinnamon sticks and star anise, let the hot chocolate infuse for a few minutes as it warms for a cosy Christmas twist.
Make the Vegan Marshmallow Fluff
In a clean mixing bowl, add the aquafaba, sugar, and cream of tartar.
Use an electric whisk or stand mixer and whip for 6–8 minutes, until it becomes thick, glossy, and forms stiff peaks (just like meringue).
Transfer the fluff to a piping bag.
Pipe a thick ring around the rim of each glass.
Carefully toast with a blowtorch until golden and marshmallowy.
Assemble
Pour the warm pistachio hot chocolate into your marshmallow-rimmed glass.
Finish with a sprinkle of chopped pistachios and rose petals.
Carrot Rounds with Tahini Cream, Basil Pesto & Pomegranate
A stunning festive side dish that balances sweet glazed carrots with a silky tahini cream and bright pops of basil pesto and pomegranate. Perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas — colourful, elegant, and deeply flavourful.
Takes 25 minutesminutes
Serves 4
Ingredients
For the carrots
3large carrots
25g2 tbsp plant-based butter
25g2 tbsp olive oil
60ml¼ cup water
For the glaze
1tbspwhite miso paste
3tbspmaple syrup
1tbspapple cider vinegar
½tspsea salt
Pinchchilli powder
Tahini cream
8tbsp120g / 4 oz plant-based yogurt
2tbsp30g / 1 oz tahini
1–2 tbsp waterto loosen
Pinchsea salt
Squeeze lemon juiceoptional
To finish
3tbspLovely Basil Pestoapprox. 45g
3tbsppomegranate seedsapprox. 30g
Small handful carrot leaves or corianderapprox. 5g
Drizzle olive oil
Instructions
Shape the carrots:
Peel 3 carrots into long ribbons using a vegetable peeler. Roll each ribbon into a tight medallion and secure with kitchen twine so it holds its shape.
Sear the carrot rounds:
Heat 25g (2 tbsp) plant-based butter and 25g (2 tbsp) olive oil in a wide pan over medium heat. Add the carrot medallions and sear for 3 minutes per side until lightly golden. Add 60ml (¼ cup) water, cover, and cook for 3–4 minutes until tender.
Make the glaze:
In a small bowl, mix 1 tbsp white miso, 3 tbsp maple syrup, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, ½ tsp salt, and a pinch of chilli powder
Glaze the carrots:
Pour the glaze into the pan. Cook for 2–3 minutes, flipping occasionally, until the carrots are glossy and caramelised.
Make the tahini cream:
In a small bowl, whisk together 8 tbsp (120g) plant yogurt, 2 tbsp (30g) tahini, a pinch of salt, a squeeze of lemon juice (optional), and add 1–2 tbsp water until smooth and spoonable.
Plate the dish:
Spread the tahini cream on the base of a serving plate.
Arrange the glazed carrot medallions on top.
Finish with pesto and pomegranate: Drizzle 3 tbsp Lovely Basil Pesto over the carrots. Scatter 3 tbsp pomegranate seeds and garnish with carrot leaves or coriander. Add a final drizzle of olive oil and any remaining pan glaze.
Tips
For extra festive shine, warm the basil pesto slightly before drizzling.
Add toasted sesame seeds for extra texture (optional).
For allergens, see highlighted ingredients. Contains Peanuts May also contain: Brazil Nuts, Cashew Nuts, Hazelnuts, Macadamia Nut / Queensland Nut, Nuts, Pecan Nuts, Pecan Nuts, Pistachio Nuts, Soya, Walnuts Caution: May also contain natural date stone pits.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
Typical
per 100g
Energy
1690kJ
402kcal
Fat
11g
of which: Saturates
2.8g
Carbohydrates
63g
of which: Sugars
41g
Fibre
9.3g
Protein
8.1g
Salt
0.02g
Sodium
0.02g
The Happy Pear Choc Date Caramel Crisp Energy Balls 125g
For allergens, see highlighted ingredients. Contains Peanuts, Soya May also contain: Brazil Nuts, Cashew Nuts, Hazelnuts, Macadamia Nut / Queensland Nut, Nuts, Pecan Nuts, Pecan Nuts, Pistachio Nuts, Walnuts Caution: May also contain natural date stone pits.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
Typical
per 100g
Energy
1594kJ
378kcal
Fat
8.4g
of which: Saturates
3.8g
Carbohydrates
64g
of which: Sugars
50g
Fibre
5.3g
Protein
9g
Salt
0.44g
Sodium
0.44g
Homemade Rice Koji (with Dehydrator)
Koji is steamed rice inoculated with a friendly mould that transforms starches and proteins into natural sweetness, depth, and umami. It's traditionally used in Japanese kitchens for miso, sake, soy sauce, and amazake, and we've wanted to try making it for ages! It’s a flavour powerhouse that adds complexity to ferments, marinades, and works brilliant in plant-based dishes. Making your own is simple with a dehydrator, and it opens up endless possibilities in the kitchen.
Takes 3 daysdays
Serves 1
Ingredients
1kgapprox. 5 cups Short-grain white rice
2litresapprox. 8.5 cups Water for washing/soaking and steaming 1 g (¼ tsp) Koji spores (Aspergillus oryzae)
30ml2 tbsp Cooled, boiled water for the spore slurry
20g2 ½ tbsp Rice flour (optional, for dusting)
Instructions
Soak & wash the rice (8–12 hours)
Rinse 1 kg rice in several changes of water (about 1–1.5 litres / 4–6 cups) until nearly clear. Soak the rice in fresh water (approx. 1 litre / 4 cups) for 8–12 hours at cool room temperature. Drain thoroughly in a sieve for 30–60 minutes to remove surface moisture.
Steam the rice (45–60 minutes)
Set up a steamer and line the tray with muslin to prevent sticking. Steam the drained rice over brisk steam for 45–60 minutes, until the grains are tender but not mushy. Top up water in the steamer as needed from your 1.5–2 litre (6–8 cup) total.
Cool to inoculation temperature (20–30 minutes)
Spread the steamed rice on a clean tray in a 2–3 cm layer. Fan and fluff until the rice reaches 30–32°C—warm to the touch, not hot.
Make the spore slurry (2 minutes)
In a sanitised cup, whisk 1 g koji spores into 30 ml cooled, boiled water (2 tbsp). If using, mix in 20 g rice flour to help even distribution.
Inoculate evenly (3–5 minutes)
Sprinkle or drizzle the entire 30 ml slurry over the warm rice, tossing and breaking clumps with sanitised hands until evenly coated.
Set up the incubator (5–10 minutes)
Line dehydrator trays with baking paper or muslin. Spread the inoculated rice 2–3 cm thick. Place trays in a dehydrator set to 30–32°C. For humidity, place a shallow tray of hot water (about 250 ml / 1 cup) at the base, or cover the rice loosely with perforated cling film/muslin to prevent drying while allowing airflow.
First-stage incubation (0–18 hours)
Hold at 30–32°C with gentle airflow. After 12–18 hours, fine white filaments should appear. If edges look dry, mist lightly with cooled, boiled water (a few teaspoons). Keep the surface just moist, never wet.
Break up & turn (at 18–24 hours)
At 18–24 hours, gently break up the rice with sanitised hands or a fork to release heat and re-oxygenate. Re-spread to 2–3 cm and maintain 30–32°C.
Second-stage incubation (to 40–48 hours total)
Continue for a further 20–24 hours. Turn once more at 30–36 hours. The koji is ready at 40–48 hours: grains should be snow-white with a sweet chestnut/pear aroma and gentle warmth. If you see green spores, it has gone too far—harvest sooner next time.
Stop growth & chill (30 minutes)
Spread the finished koji on trays and cool in front of a fan for 10 minutes. Use immediately or refrigerate uncovered for 12 hours to dry slightly. Store in the fridge for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 3 months in sealed bags.
Safe handling & clean-down (10–15 minutes)
Wipe all surfaces with boiling water or a food-safe sanitiser. Label the batch with date and weight. Discard any koji that smells sour, musty, or develops non-white growth.
Chef’s Notes & FAQs
White vs brown rice: Short-grain white rice is ideal—polished grains allow even mycelium penetration and clean flavour. Brown rice can work but is slower and less forgiving.
Dehydrator vs alternatives: A dehydrator with accurate low-temperature control is ideal. Alternatives include a proofing box, yoghurt-maker chamber, or an oven with just the light on (monitor carefully). Aim for 30–32°C, moderate humidity, and light airflow.
This Fermented Festive Fruit Punch is a fun and fizzy drink, perfect for the holiday season and packed with beneficial probiotics! Made with fresh grapes and apples, juiced and then fermented with citrus fruits and warming spices, it’s bursting with festive flavours and a light, natural sparkle from wild fermentation.Namawell – HAPPYPEAR10
Takes 6 daysdays15 minutesminutes
Serves 4
Ingredients
For the fermented punch:
Fresh red grapes: 500g4 cups
4Apples mediumsweet variety like Fuji or Honeycrisp)
2Orangesunwaxed, organic
1Lemonunwaxed, organic
Fresh Ginger: 10g1-inch piece, peeled
1tablespoonsof brown sugar
3cinnamon sticks
3whole Cloves
2Star Anise pods
To serve:
1orange
2-3cinnamon sticks
Lemon slices
Instructions
Juice the Ingredients:
Feed the grapes and apples, through your Namawell J2 juicer.
Transfer to Fermentation Vessel:
Pour the juice into a sterilized 2L glass jar, leaving at least 1-2 inches of headspace for bubbling. Slice the oranges and lemon and roughly chop the fresh ginger and add to the jar along with the cinnamon sticks, star anise and cloves 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 lid to allow wild yeast 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 to remove the oranges, lemons and spices into a 1L airtight bottle .
Seal tightly and allow it to ferment for an additional 1-2 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!
Your drink is ready once its nice and fizzy and tastes great.
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
This one’s a gorgeous, probiotic twist on a classic cranberry-orange spritz. We’re using the Namawell J2 to make a fresh, vibrant juice, then letting wild fermentation do its magic: no starter, no fancy equipment, just nature doing her thing! Namawell – HAPPYPEAR10
Takes 5 daysdays15 minutesminutes
Serves 4
Ingredients
Juice base:
750gfresh cranberries
2medium apples
1organic orangesroughly chopped
For fermentation:
2organic orangeschopped (with peel)
2organic apples chopped
3cinnamon quills
1thumb sized piece of organic ginger
3star anise
6cloves
1clean 2L glass jar
200mlwater
2tbspmaple syrup or honeyto help kickstart secondary fermentation
To serve:
Fresh rosemary sprigs
Handful of cranberries
Ice cubes
Orange twist
Optional: rim glass with crushed dried cranberries + sea salt
Instructions
Peel the orange for the juice and quarter 2 apples
Juice it up:
Run the cranberries, 2 apples and 1 peeled orange, through your Namawell J2 juicer.
Start the bulk wild fermentation:
Pour the juice into a clean 2L jar. Quarter the 2 organic apples and the 2 organic oranges leaving the skin on both (these provide natural yeasts and sugars). Roughly chop the thumbsized piece of ginger again leaving the skin. Add the cinnamon quills, star anise, cloves and chopped ginger along with 200 ml of water. Close the lid and leave to ferment for 2-3 days
Bulk Ferment (Phase 1):
Leave the jar at room temperature (18–22°C) for 2–3 days, stirring or swirling daily. You’ll start to see tiny bubbles and smell a light tangy aroma.
Strain & bottle:
Strain out the fruit and spices and using a funnel transfer the liquid to swing-top bottles, leaving an inch of headspace.
Ferment (Phase 2):
Leave sealed bottles at room temperature for another 2 days, until naturally fizzy. “Burp” the bottles once a day to release pressure.
Chill & enjoy:
Once bubbly, move to the fridge to slow fermentation. It’ll keep for up to 2 weeks chilled.
To serve:
Muddle a sprig of rosemary in a glass, add ice, pour over your fermented spritz, and garnish with an orange twist and rosemary sprig.
Optional: rim your glass with crushed dried cranberries and sea salt for a festive sparkle.
For allergens, see ingredients highlighted. May contain traces of Nuts Contains Sesame Gluten Free
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
Typical
per 100g
Energy
Fat
Of which:
Saturates
Carbohydrates
Of which:
Sugars
Fibre
Protein
Salt
Chocolate Pecan Protein Balls
Packed with protein, naturally sweetened with dates and no bake, these brownie balls come together in minutes and are perfect as a nourishing treat or snack. No refined sugar, no flour, just plant-powered indulgence! We make these for our kids at home and they’re great to keep in the fridge for when the sweet craving hits! We made ours using our Cuisinart Flex Prep- HAPPYPEAR10
Takes 15 minutesminutes
Serves 12
Ingredients
For the bites:
200g1 cup tightly packed pitted dates
50gprotein powder of choicewe used brown rice protein powder
100g1.5 cup pecan nuts
3tbspcocoa or cacao powder
1tspvanilla extract
Pinchof sea salt
50mlblack coffee/ water
For the coating:
150g1 cup dark chocolate
Approx 12-15 pecan nuts for decoration
Flaky sea saltto finish
Instructions
Soften the dates (if needed):
If your dates are firm or dry, soak them in hot water for 5–10 minutes, then drain well.
Blend the base:
In a food processor, pulse 100g pecans until finely ground.
Add 200g pitted dates, 50g protein powder, 15g cocoa powder, 1 tsp vanilla, pinch of salt, and black coffee
Blend until the mixture becomes a smooth and a sticky dough that holds together when pressed. Add 2–3 tbsp water as needed to help it come together.
Roll into bites:
Scoop about 1 heaped tsp per bite and roll into balls. Place on a lined tray or plate. Chill in the fridge or freezer for 5 minutes to firm up.
Melt the chocolate:
In a small bowl, melt 150g dark chocolate using a bain-marie or microwave in short bursts.
Coat and finish:
Dip each chilled bite into the melted chocolate, place back on the tray, and decorate with a pecan on top, finish with a sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Chill again until the chocolate is fully set.
Store:
Keep the bites in the fridge for up to 1 week, or freeze for longer storage.
We’ve designed this recipe to be the ultimate time-saver: one big cooking session makes 12 portions of delicious curry – that’s 4 servings each of three different curries. To make things speedy, we used our Cuisinart Flex Prep to blend the sauces until silky smooth and the Pixie Chopper to blitz the base veg in seconds. Perfect for batch cooking: once made, these curries can be frozen and stored for later, ready to pair with rice, quinoa, or your favourite grain. We made ours using our Cuisinart Flex Prep!
Takes 1 hourhour
Serves 12
Ingredients
Veg Base Ingredients (for all 3 curries):
2onions
4clovesgarlic
Thumb-sized piece ginger
2red peppers
2carrots
2tbspolive oil or coconut oil
Salt & pepper
Yellow Coconut Curry Sauce (with chickpeas):
1can coconut milk
1tspground turmeric
1tbspcurry powder
Juice of 1 lime
Handful fresh corianderstems + leaves
2tbsptamari
1tbspmaple syrup
Pinchsalt and black pepper
1tin of chickpeasapprox. 250 grams drained
Spinach Curry Sauce with Tofu:
200gfresh spinachor thawed frozen spinach
150gplain yogurtor coconut yogurt for vegan
1tspgaram masala
1tspcumin
½tspchili flakes
2tbsptamari
1tbspmaple syrup
Salt to taste
400gtofu
Thai Red Curry Sauce (with black beans):
3tbspThai red curry paste
1can coconut milk
2tbspsoy sauce or tamari
Juice of 1 lime
1tin black beansapprox. 250g
Instructions
Prep your base veg:
Finely chop onions, garlic, ginger, peppers, and carrots (we used the Pixie Chopper to do this in seconds). Heat oil in a large pan, sauté for 8–10 minutes until softened and fragrant. Divide into 3 equal portions – one for each curry.
Make the Yellow Coconut Curry:
Add coconut milk, turmeric, curry powder, lime juice, coriander, tamari, maple syrup, salt, and pepper to the Cuisinart Flex Prep blender. Blend until smooth. Stir through the chickpeas and one portion of the sautéed base veg. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Make the Spinach Curry:
Blend spinach, yogurt, garam masala, cumin, chili flakes, tamari, maple syrup, and salt until smooth. Stir through tofu cubes and one portion of the sautéed base veg. Simmer for 5–10 minutes.
Make the Thai Red Curry:
Blend curry paste, coconut milk, soy sauce/tamari, and lime juice until smooth. Stir through black beans and one portion of the sautéed base veg. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Cool & Freeze:
Allow each curry to cool completely. Portion into airtight containers (4 servings per curry). Label and freeze.
Defrost & Serve:
Curries will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw overnight in the fridge or defrost in the microwave, then reheat thoroughly until piping hot. Serve with rice, quinoa, or your favourite side.
Mushrooms can be divisive, yet one of the most popular soups in our café is always mushroom soup. This recipe is for true mushroom lovers: a creamy, thick, mushroom-rich soup topped with seared and charred oyster mushrooms. It is the perfect winter warmer.
Takes 50 minutesminutes
Serves 4
Ingredients
For the soup
750gmushrooms of choiceapprox. 4 cups sliced
4garlic cloves
2large shallots or 1 onion
3tbspolive oil45ml / 1½ cups
5sprigs fresh thyme or 1 tbsp dried thyme
250mlwhite wine1 cup
1litre vegetable stock4 cups
1tspwhite miso paste
1tspDijon mustard
250mlcoconut milk or plant-based cream1 cup
15gfresh parsleychopped (approx. ½ cup loosely packed)
For finishing
200goyster mushrooms
1tbspolive oil15ml
3tbsptamari or soy sauce45ml
1.5tbspmaple syrup22ml
1tbspapple cider vinegar15ml
Pinchchilli powder
Pinchsea salt
1garlic clove
Drizzle coconut cream or plant cream
Fresh parsleychopped
Instructions
Prepare the vegetables
Peel and finely slice the shallots (or onion) and garlic. Slice the mushrooms into even pieces. Roughly chop the parsley.
Sauté the aromatics
Heat 2 tbsp (30ml) olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced shallots or onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
Cook the mushrooms
Add the mushrooms and a pinch of salt. Cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring regularly, until they release their moisture and start to brown. Add the thyme and cook for another minute.
Deglaze the pot
Pour in the white wine and scrape the bottom of the pot to release any caramelised bits. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until the wine reduces by half.
Add the stock and seasonings
Stir in the vegetable stock, miso paste, and Dijon mustard. Bring to the boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes.
Blend the soup
Remove the thyme sprigs if using fresh. Add the coconut milk or plant cream. Use a hand blender to blend until smooth and creamy, or blend only half if you prefer some texture. Season to taste with salt and black pepper. Stir in the chopped parsley.
Sear the oyster mushrooms
Heat 1 tbsp (15ml) olive oil in a frying pan over high heat. Tear the oyster mushrooms into strips. Once the pan is hot, add the mushrooms with a pinch of salt and cook for 4–5 minutes until charred.
In a mug, mix the tamari, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and grated garlic. Add this to the pan and cook for 1 minute until sticky and glazed, turning the mushrooms to coat well.
Serve
Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Top with the glazed oyster mushrooms, a drizzle of coconut or plant cream, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Serve immediately.
This beautiful probiotic drink celebrates the bounty of the farm – using a mix of candy, yellow, and traditional red beetroot to create a stunning elixir. Naturally fermented using lactic acid bacteria, it begins with a savoury, earthy brine and is transformed through a second fermentation with apple juice or sugar into a gently fizzy, refreshing beetroot soda.
Takes 10 daysdays30 minutesminutes
Serves 6
Ingredients
For the primary (lacto) fermentation:
500gmixed beetrootcandy, yellow, and red
1Lfiltered water4 cups
20gsea salt4 tsp — 2% salt solution
For the secondary (carbonation) fermentation:
Strained beet kvassfrom above
75mlcloudy apple juice5 tbsp or 1 tbsp sugar (15 g) per 750 ml kvass
Instructions
Prepare the beetroot:
Wash 500 g beetroot thoroughly, leaving the skins on if organic (this is where most of the natural lactic acid bacteria live). Cut into roughly 2–3 cm (1 in) cubes.
Make the brine:
In a jug, dissolve 20 g sea salt in 1 L water (4 cups) to create a 2% salt solution.
Ferment the beetroot (primary ferment):
Place the chopped beetroot into a sterilised 1.5 L jar. Pour over the brine until the beetroot is fully submerged. Weigh them down with a fermentation weight or a small, clean glass jar to keep everything below the liquid.
Close the lid or cover loosely and leave to ferment at room temperature (18–22°C / 64–72°F) for 1–2 weeks.
The mixture will bubble lightly. The beetroot should taste like pickled beetroot—soft, acidic, and pleasantly salty. The liquid will be acidic, earthy, and savoury.
Strain and reserve:
Once the flavour is balanced and slightly sour, strain the liquid through a fine sieve into a jug — this is your beet kvass base.
Save the fermented beetroot to use in salads, sandwiches, or as a tangy side dish.
Start the secondary fermentation (for fizz):
Pour 750 ml of the strained kvass into swing-top bottles, leaving at least 3 cm (1 in) of headspace.
Add 75 ml cloudy apple juice (5 tbsp) or 1 tbsp sugar (15 g) per bottle. This feeds the natural yeasts for carbonation.
Stir gently or tip the bottle to mix.
Carbonate:
Seal and leave at room temperature (20–24°C / 68–75°F) for 2–3 days. ‘Burp’ the bottles once daily by briefly opening them to release pressure.
When gently fizzy, transfer to the fridge to slow fermentation.
Serve:
Chill well before serving. Pour gently to retain the natural carbonation and admire the vibrant colour of the mixed beetroot blend.
To Serve
Serve cold as a refreshing probiotic soda.
Mix with sparkling water, lemon juice, or fresh mint for a lighter spritz.
Use the leftover fermented beetroot as a tangy garnish or salad ingredient.
Tips & Variations
Less salty version: Use a 1.5% salt brine (15 g salt per litre).
Flavour infusions: Add orange peel, ginger, or herbs during the second ferment.
Shelf life: Keeps in the fridge for up to 3 weeks; flavour deepens over time.
This is the ultimate vegan wellington – a glorious, flavour-packed centrepiece that brings together all the best parts of a traditional roast dinner, reimagined with plants! Think earthy mushrooms, sweet roasted beetroot, nutty cashews, and savoury herbs all wrapped in delicate filo pastry. It’s rich, hearty, and beautifully balanced! It’s the kind of dish that even the most dedicated meat-eater will love. Perfect for Christmas, Sunday roasts, or any special occasion when you want a showstopper that feels celebratory, comforting, and nourishing all at once.
Takes 1 hourhour5 minutesminutes
Serves 6
Ingredients
For the wellington
1pack store-bought frozen filo pastry320g
1medium onion
2clovesgarlic
200gmushroomsabout 2 cups, oyster are our favourite
1x 400g tin jackfruitdrained and rinsed
2tbsptamari
1tbspmiso
1tbspmaple syrup
1medium beetroot100g / ½ cup grated
200gcashew nutsabout 1½ cups
4tbspoil
Small bunch fresh thyme10g
Small bunch fresh sage10g
Pinchdried cayenne pepper
1tspsmoked paprika
1½tspsalt
½tspground black pepper
150gcooked ricecouscous, or quinoa (about 1 cup)
Spinach pancake layer
60gself-raising flour½ cup
125mlplant milk½ cup
60gbaby spinach2 cups
Pinchsalt and pepper
To serve
Vegan gravy
Cranberry sauce
Optional: roast potatoessteamed greens, or a nutty kale salad
Instructions
Prepare the pastry
Remove the filo pastry from the freezer and defrost it overnight in the fridge, or at room temperature for a few hours before using.
Make the filling
Peel and finely slice the onion and garlic. Grate the beetroot and chop the mushrooms into bite-sized pieces. Finely chop the drained jackfruit.
If your cashews are raw, dry-roast them in a frying pan over high heat for 5–8 minutes, stirring often until lightly golden. Set aside to cool.
Heat 2 tbsp of oil in a large frying pan or pot over medium heat. Add the onion, mushrooms, and jackfruit. Sauté for 5 minutes until lightly golden, stirring regularly.
Add the tamari, miso, maple syrup, smoked paprika, garlic, grated beetroot, and a pinch of salt. Cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring frequently. Then add the black pepper and cayenne, mix well, and cook for another 2–3 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Meanwhile, crush about two-thirds of the roasted cashews in a food processor (or wrap in a tea towel and bash with a rolling pin) until fine.
Strip the thyme and sage leaves from their stalks and roughly chop them. Stir the herbs and all the cashews into the pan. Mix well and taste again for seasoning.
Add the cooked rice, couscous, or quinoa to the filling and heat through for 2–3 minutes, stirring until well combined. Set aside to cool slightly.
Make the spinach pancakes
In a blender, combine all the pancake ingredients and blend until smooth and bright green.
Heat a little oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Pour in enough batter to cover the base. Cook until the edges lift and the centre is set, then flip carefully with a silicone spatula. Repeat to make a second pancake. Set aside to cool.
Assemble the wellington
Preheat the oven to 180°C / 350°F / Gas Mark 4.
Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
Lay out the filo pastry on the tray. Place the spinach pancakes on top, slightly overlapping if needed, trimming the edges to match the size of the pastry.
Place the beetroot and mushroom filling along the centre in a neat line. Wrap the pastry around the filling like a parcel, sealing the edges well and flipping so the seam is underneath.
Score the top lightly in a criss-cross pattern with a blunt knife (don’t cut through the pastry) and brush with plant milk.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crisp.
To serve
Garnish with a few thyme sprigs and serve hot with vegan gravy, cranberry sauce, roast potatoes, and seasonal greens.
This dish makes a fantastic centrepiece for festive dinners or Sunday roasts — it slices beautifully and keeps well for leftovers the next day.
This kiwi chocolate bark is a fun, refreshing twist on classic chocolate bark — a great healthier treat that kids will love too. You only need three base ingredients, or you can use five or more if you want to decorate it like we did. It’s super simple to make and perfect for using up ripe kiwis. You can also swap pistachio butter for peanut butter or a seed butter if you prefer a nut-free version.
Takes 30 minutesminutes
Serves 8
Ingredients
46 ripe kiwis
2tbspshredded coconut
120g¾ cup dark chocolate, roughly chopped or in chips
1tbsppistachio butteror peanut/seed butter
2tbspchopped pistachios
1tbspgoji berriesor other dried fruits/nuts of your choice
Instructions
Peel the kiwis and slice them thinly into rounds, about ½ cm thick.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the kiwi slices in a single layer.
Sprinkle the shredded coconut evenly over the kiwi slices — this helps absorb moisture so the chocolate sticks, as kiwis naturally hold a lot of water.
Melt the dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a pot of gently simmering water (or in short microwave bursts).
Pour or drizzle the melted chocolate evenly over the kiwi slices, covering them completely.
Drizzle pistachio butter over the top, then scatter with chopped pistachios and goji berries (or your preferred toppings).
Place in the fridge for about 20–30 minutes, or until the chocolate has fully set.
Once firm, break or chop into shards. Store in the fridge and enjoy straight from cold for the best texture.
This vibrant, hearty dish is a delicious and nourishing way to boost your fibre, plant diversity, and plant-based protein intake. The rich, smoky chilli is enhanced with dark chocolate and black coffee for depth and served over a creamy hummus base. It might sound unusual, but it’s incredibly moreish and perfect for sharing.
Takes 20 minutesminutes
Serves 4
Ingredients
For the chocolate chilli:
1medium onion
3garlic cloves
1tbspcumin seeds
2tbspground cumin
1tbspground coriander
½tspground cinnamon
1tspsmoked paprika
½tspblack pepper
2× 400g tins chopped tomatoes800g total
50gdark chocolate70% cocoa solids
100mlblack coffee
1tspsalt
Juice of 1 lime
1medium carrot
1red pepper
2× 400g tins kidney beansdrained and rinsed (500g drained weight)
1tbspolive oil or other neutral oil
For the pickled red onions:
1red onion
50mlvinegarapple cider or white wine vinegar
50mlwater
Pinchof sea salt
To serve:
130gThe Happy Pear Hummus
20gfresh corianderchopped
3tbspyoghurt of choiceplant-based or dairy
Riceflatbread, or grain of choice
Instructions
Prepare the vegetables: Peel and finely dice the onion and garlic. Finely dice the carrot and thinly slice the red pepper. Drain and rinse the kidney beans. Roughly chop the dark chocolate.
Make the pickled onions: Peel and finely slice the red onion. Add to a small glass or bowl with the vinegar, water, and a pinch of salt. Stir well and set aside to pickle while you cook the chilli.
Cook the base: Heat the oil in a large frying pan over a high heat. Add the diced onion and cumin seeds and fry for 3–4 minutes until starting to colour.
Add the vegetables and spices: Stir in the garlic, carrot, and red pepper. Add the ground cumin, coriander, cinnamon, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Cook for 2 minutes, then add a few tablespoons of water to deglaze the pan and help soften the carrot.
Build the chilli: Add the chopped tomatoes, black coffee, dark chocolate, and salt. Stir until the chocolate melts into the sauce. Add the kidney beans and simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy.
Finish the flavour: Squeeze in the lime juice and taste, adjusting seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or lime juice as needed.
Assemble the bowls: Spread 2–3 tablespoons of hummus across the base of each serving bowl. Spoon the hot chocolate chilli over the hummus. Top with the pickled red onions, chopped coriander, and a dollop of yoghurt.
Serve: Serve straight away with rice, flatbread, or your favourite grain.
Tips & Variations
Add more heat: Include a pinch of cayenne or a fresh chilli with the spices.
Bulk it up: Stir in cooked lentils or quinoa for extra texture and protein.
Make ahead: The chilli keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days and tastes even better the next day.
These apple chocolate ‘doughnut rings’ are a great healthier snack, perfect for kids too because they’re really fun and easy to make. You only need three base ingredients, or you can use five or more if you want to decorate them like we did. You can also swap out pistachio butter for peanut butter or a seed butter if you prefer a nut-free version.
Takes 40 minutesminutes
Serves 8
Ingredients
2medium apples
60g¼ cup pistachio butter, or peanut/seed butter
120g¾ cup dark chocolate, roughly chopped or in chips
Slice the apples horizontally into 6–8 rings about 1 cm thick. Use a small bottle cap or apple corer to remove the core and create a hole in the centre of each slice.
Match up rings of similar size and spread a thin layer of pistachio butter on one ring. Sandwich it with another apple ring to create a filled ‘doughnut’. Repeat with the remaining slices.
Melt the dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water (or in short bursts in the microwave).
To coat, hold each apple ring on a fork above the bowl and use a spoon to drizzle melted chocolate over the top and sides until fully covered. Avoid dipping directly into the chocolate as the pistachio butter can mix in.
Lay each coated ring onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Drizzle a little more pistachio butter over the top and sprinkle with freeze-dried raspberries and a pinch of flaky sea salt (or your choice of toppings).
Place in the fridge for about 15–20 minutes, or until the chocolate has set.
Store in the fridge and enjoy chilled for the best crunch and freshness.
Your gut is home to trillions of microbes that affect everything from your digestion to your mood. What you eat feeds them, for better or worse. The good news? A colourful, plant-based diet can transform your microbiome, helping you feel lighter, brighter and more energised!
1. What “gut health” actually means
Gut health refers to the balance of bacteria and other microorganisms living in your digestive tract. When this ecosystem thrives, you digest food efficiently, absorb nutrients, and enjoy steadier energy and mood.
2. Why plants make your microbes happy
Fibre-rich fruits, vegetables, legumes and wholegrains act as prebiotics, the fuel good bacteria love. Plants also bring:
Polyphenols that reduce inflammation
Diversity that keeps your microbiome resilient
Fermented foods (like sauerkraut and kimchi) that top-up beneficial strains
These changes usually appear within weeks of eating more whole-food, plant-based meals.
4. Simple ways to get started
Add one extra serving of fruit or veg to every meal
Swap meat for beans or lentils a few times per week
Try fermented foods such as miso, tempeh or kefir
5. Want guided support?
Our 21-Day Gut Health Reset kicks off November 10th 2025 with a live cook-along with Dave & Steve, followed by: 💬 Nov 12: Q&A with registered dietitian Rosie Martin 🎧 Nov 18: Podcast Club discussion 🙌 Nov 25: Final Q&A & celebration
You’ll get 3 months’ access, daily tips and community motivation, everything you need to build lasting gut-friendly habits.
The Best Easy Vegan Gravy
We think that gravy really does make a centrepiece dinner such as a wellington complete. This gravy is super-tasty, easy, and quick to make too!
Takes 10 minutesminutes
Serves 4
Ingredients
1tbspoil
1onion
500ml vegetable stock
4tbsptamari
4tbspnutritional yeast
2tspgarlic powder(or 4 cloves, super finely chopped)
1pinch of black pepper
3 tbspolive oil
3tbspthickening agent(cornstarch, arrowroot, rice flour, tapioca powder or plain white flour)
Instructions
Roughly chop the onion.
Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a medium-sized non-stick saucepan on high heat.
Add the onion, reduce the heat to medium, and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring regularly, until the onions start to turn golden.
Mix the stock, tamari, garlic powder, nutritional yeast and black pepper in a large jug, then pour into the pan.
Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.
Remove 5 tablespoons of the sauce to a jug and sift in the thickening agent, whisking well so it is fully incorporated, and add back into the pan.
Add the olive oil to the pan and simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens, whisking occasionally.
Sieve out the onions before serving with your Christmas Wellington or other festive favourites!
If you are looking for the ultimate vegan gravy to level up your roast dinner, look no further. This is our go to plant based gravy and we honestly make it all year round. It is rich, savoury, silky, super comforting and tastes every bit as delicious as traditional gravy, only it is totally dairy free and made from wholesome plant goodness.
We love this for cosy Sunday lunches, family dinners, Christmas feasts, Thanksgiving spreads and any day that needs a bit of warm, delicious magic poured all over it. This gravy is sensational with vegan wellington, roast potatoes, creamy mashed potatoes, veggies, nut roasts, lentil loaf or anything you would normally drown in gravy. It makes every plate feel like a celebration.
The best part is how quick and simple it is. Just a few everyday ingredients like onion, tamari, nutritional yeast and vegetable stock come together to create a deep, savoury, umami packed gravy that has everyone asking for seconds. You can easily make it gluten free, it reheats beautifully and it is always a hit with vegans and non vegans alike. Our families adore this recipe and we are pretty sure yours will too.
So grab a pan, turn on the heat and get ready to make a seriously tasty vegan gravy that brings comfort, flavour and smiles to every meal. We cannot wait for you to try this one.
No Bake Chocolate Caramel Pecan Pie Bars
This is our take on a healthier pecan pie. While chocolate isn’t traditional, it adds a delicious layer to this wholefood, vegan, and gluten-free autumnal dessert. Packed with nuts, dates, and maple syrup, it’s a festive treat that’s filling, nutritious, and perfect for the season.
Takes 2 hourshours25 minutesminutes
Serves 8
Ingredients
Base
250g2 ½ cups ground almonds
120g½ cup coconut oil
100ml6 ½ tbsp maple syrup or agave syrup
Pecan caramel
100g1 cup pecans
300gabout 20 dates, soaked
80g6 tbsp coconut oil
6–10 tbsp water
Pinchof saltoptional
Chocolate layer
200gdark chocolate
1tbspcoconut oil
Maple pecans
100g1 cup pecans
50ml3 tbsp maple syrup
Pinchof salt
Instructions
Make the base
Melt the coconut oil, then mix with the ground almonds and maple syrup until well combined. Press the mixture into a baking dish and chill until firm.
Make the pecan caramel
Blitz the pecans in a food processor until breadcrumb-like. Add the soaked dates, coconut oil, water, and salt. Blend until smooth, which may take up to 5 minutes.
Assemble base and caramel
Spread the pecan caramel evenly over the chilled base and return to the fridge while preparing the chocolate and maple pecans.
Melt the chocolate (bain-marie method)
Place a heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water, ensuring the bowl doesn’t touch the water. Add the dark chocolate and 1 tbsp coconut oil, stirring occasionally until smooth and fully melted. Remove from heat.
Caramelise the pecans
Toast the pecans in a dry pan over medium heat until lightly golden. Add the maple syrup and a pinch of salt, stirring to coat the nuts evenly. Cook for 1–2 minutes until the syrup is sticky and glossy, then remove from heat to cool slightly.
Finish the pie
Pour the melted chocolate over the caramel layer and spread evenly. Top with the caramelised pecans. Chill until fully set, about 1–2 hours.
One of the prettiest spreads you can make — vibrant, smooth, and bursting with flavour. Based on firm tofu, this creamy dip is packed with fibre and plant protein, providing about 25 g of protein in total. Perfect as a sandwich spread, a dip for crudités, or a topping for nourish bowls.
Takes 30 minutesminutes
Serves 4
Ingredients
200gabout ¾ cup firm tofu
100gabout ½ cup roasted beetroot
45g3 tbsp / 1½ oz light tahini
Juice of 1 lemonabout 50 ml / ¼ cup
50ml3½ tbsp olive oil
2garlic cloves
50ml3½ tbsp water
¾tspsalt
Pinchof ground black pepper
Instructions
Roast the beetroot and garlic
Cut the beetroot into small bite-sized pieces. Peel the garlic cloves. Roast the beetroot and garlic in the oven at 200°C (392°F) for 20–25 minutes, until tender.
Blend the spread
Add the tofu, roasted beetroot, tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, water, salt, and pepper to a blender or food processor. Blend until completely smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed — this will take about 10 minutes to get it silky smooth. Add a little extra water if needed until you reach a texture that’s thick enough to hold its shape but still beautifully creamy.
Adjust and serve
Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed. Spoon into a serving bowl and drizzle with a little olive oil.
Serving Suggestions
Spread on sourdough toast or crackers.
Use as a vibrant dip for vegetable crudités.
Swirl through salads, grain bowls, or roasted vegetables.
A vibrant, earthy twist on the classic ginger bug – this naturally fermented starter uses the natural sugars and wild yeasts on the skin of raw beetroot to create a probiotic-rich culture. Over five days of simple daily feeding, you’ll develop a live culture that can be used to carbonate freshly pressed juices or herbal teas into delicious, gut-friendly sodas.
Takes 5 daysdays5 minutesminutes
Serves 12
Ingredients
Initial mix:
100gfresh beetrootabout 1 small beetroot or ¾ cup, finely chopped or grated
2tspbrown sugar
200mlwaterjust under 1 cup
Daily feeding (for 5 days):
10–15g finely chopped beetrootabout 1 tbsp
1tspbrown sugar
Instructions
Start the bug:
In a 500ml–1 litre sterilised jar, combine 100g finely chopped beetroot, 2 tsp brown sugar, and 200ml filtered water. Stir well until the sugar dissolves. Cover with a loose-fitting lid or clean cloth, and label with the start date.
Feed daily for 5 days:
Each day, add 10–15g finely chopped beetroot and 1 tsp brown sugar. Stir thoroughly — this keeps the beneficial bacteria and wild yeasts alive and active.
Burp the bug:
Open the jar briefly once a day to release any built-up gas. This prevents too much pressure from forming inside the jar.
Ready to use:
After about 5 days, your beetroot bug should smell yeasty and slightly sweet — similar to beer or sourdough. If it’s bubbly and active, it’s ready to use in homemade sodas.
Storage:
Keep your finished bug in the fridge with a loose-fitting lid. Feed it once a week with 10g chopped beetroot or carrot and 1 tsp sugar to maintain it.
To reactivate, bring it back to room temperature and resume daily feeding for 1–2 days before using again.
This vibrant curry is as stunning as it is delicious. Packed with plant diversity, fibre, and flavour, it’s the perfect quick midweek meal or a colourful centrepiece for entertaining. The earthy sweetness of beetroot pairs beautifully with the rich coconut sauce, zesty lime, and subtle spice. Serve with brown rice or quinoa and a side of pickled red onions for a complete, nourishing meal.
Takes 20 minutesminutes
Serves 2
Ingredients
For the curry:
1tbspoilolive or coconut oil work well
500gfirm tofu
1× 400g tin butter beans250g drained weight, or beans of choice
1red chilli
For the beet curry sauce:
1× 400g tin coconut milk
Juice of 1 lime
1large shallot or ½ medium onion
20gfresh ginger
2garlic cloves
1green chilli
25gfresh coriandersmall handful
2tbsptamari or soy sauce
1tbspbrown sugar or maple syrup
1small beetrootgrated (about 150g)
To serve:
1pak choichopped
100gbaby cornhalved lengthways
Brown rice or quinoa
To garnish:
Drizzle of coconut milk
Pickled red onion
Fresh coriander or chilli flakesoptional
Instructions
Prepare the vegetables: Cut the tofu into 1–1.5cm cubes. Drain and rinse the butter beans. Peel and roughly chop the shallot and garlic. Grate the beetroot, chop the pak choi into bite-sized pieces, and halve the baby corn lengthways.
Cook the tofu and beans: Heat the oil in a large frying pan over a high heat. Add the tofu cubes and fry for 4–5 minutes, stirring regularly, until golden on all sides. Add the drained butter beans and a pinch of salt, cooking for another minute. Turn off the heat while you prepare the sauce.
Make the beet curry sauce: In a blender, combine the grated beetroot, coconut milk, shallot, garlic, ginger, green chilli, tamari, brown sugar or maple syrup, and lime juice. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Simmer the curry: Return the pan with tofu and beans to a medium heat. Pour in the beet curry sauce and stir well. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, lime juice, tamari, or chilli if needed.
Add the vegetables: Add the pak choi and baby corn to the pan. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the vegetables are just tender but still bright and vibrant.
Serve and garnish: Spoon the curry into bowls and serve with brown rice, quinoa, or your preferred grain. Drizzle with coconut milk and top with pickled red onions, chopped coriander, or chilli flakes for a burst of freshness.
Tips & Variations
Add crunch: Top with toasted cashews or sesame seeds.
Extra greens: Stir in spinach or kale at the end of cooking for added nutrition.
A hearty, flavour-packed bowl with 40g of plant protein per serving from whole foods – no tofu, no fake meats. Perfect for batch cooking, easy to digest, and bursting with nutrients to keep you full and energised.
Takes 40 minutesminutes
Serves 2
Ingredients
Spiced blackbeans
250gcooked black beans1 x 400g tin
2garlic clovesminced
1½tspcumin seeds
1½tspsmoked paprika
½tspground chilli powder/ cayenne powder
1tbspolive oiloptional
Juice of 1 lime
Salt & black pepper to taste
Golden Quinoa
390gcooked quinoaapprox. 135g dry
1teaspoonturmeric
Spiced pumpkin
500gpumpkin
2tbspolive oil
1½tspsmoked paprika
1tspchilli powder
2tbsptamari/ soy sauce
1tspgarlic powder
Umami cashews Crumble
60gcashew nuts
30gchia seeds
Pinchof sea salt
1tbspmaple syrup
1tbsptamari/ soy sauce
Mint Tahini Yogurt Sauce
4tbsp90g tahini
200gplain soy yogurt
Juice of 1/2 lemon
½tspgarlic powder
15gfresh mint
3tbspwaterto thin as needed
Salt to taste
Extra Toppings
Fresh parsley or corianderchopped
1Avocado sliced
Instructions
Roast the pumpkin:
Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F). Place 500g pumpkin slices in a bowl and toss with 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp tamari or soy sauce, 1½ tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp chilli powder, and 1 tsp garlic powder. Spread onto a lined baking tray and roast for 25–30 minutes, until golden and tender.
Cook the black beans:
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil (if using) in a pan over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in 400g cooked black beans, 1½ tsp cumin seeds, 1½ tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp chilli powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 3–5 minutes until heated through. Finish with the juice of 1 lime.
Prepare the golden quinoa:
Add 1 tsp turmeric to 390g cooked quinoa and fluff with a fork until evenly coloured. Keep warm.
Make the cashew crumble:
Roughly chop 60g cashew nuts. Place in a dry non-stick pan over medium-high heat and toast for 3–4 minutes, stirring often, until lightly golden. Add 30g chia seeds, 1 tbsp tamari, 1 tbsp maple syrup, and a pinch of salt. Stir until sticky and coated, then spread onto a plate to cool and crisp.
Mix the tahini yogurt sauce:
In a bowl, whisk together 90g tahini, 200g soy yogurt, juice of ½ lemon, ½ tsp garlic powder, and 15g chopped fresh mint. Add 3 tbsp water gradually to thin to a pourable consistency. Season with salt to taste.
Assemble the bowls:
Divide the golden quinoa between 3–4 bowls. Add the spiced black beans and roasted pumpkin slices. Sprinkle generously with the cashew crumble. Drizzle over the mint tahini yogurt sauce. Finish with fresh parsley or coriander and sliced avocado.
We make hundreds of cinnamon swirls every weekend in our bakery. They are by far our most popular treat. This version is practical and quick to make. The process is simplified so they require no proofing as there is no yeast. We have turned this into a giant cake by cutting the dough into strips and rolling them into one large swirl.
Takes 1 hourhour20 minutesminutes
Serves 8
Ingredients
Dough
500gself-raising flourabout 4 cups
100gcaster sugarabout 1/2 cup
1/2tspsalt
200gcold vegan buttercut into cubes (about 7 tbsp)
250mloat milk1 cup
Pumpkin spiced filling
100gvegan butterabout 3 1/2 tbsp
225gbrown sugarabout 1 cup
100gpumpkin puréeabout 1/2 cup
2tspground cinnamon
1/2tspground allspice
1/4tspground ginger
Cream Cheese Icing
150gplant-based cream cheeseabout 2/3 cup
160gicing sugarabout 1 1/4 cups
1/2tspvanilla extract
2-3tbspoat milk
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 180°C and grease an 8 inch/20cm springform cake tin.
In a mixing bowl, combine the self-raising flour, caster sugar and salt.
Add the butter and rub it into the flour with your fingers until it resembles damp sand or breadcrumbs.
Stir in the oat milk. The dough should come together in a soft clump. Dust with a little flour and knead for 2-3 minutes so it holds its shape.
Dust your work surface and roll out the dough into a rectangle approximately 60cm x 30cm. The dough should be soft but hold its shape.
Melt the butter for the cinnamon filling and mix in the pumpkin purée. In a separate bowl, combine the spices and sugar.
Spread the melted butter and pumpkin mixture evenly over the dough, then sprinkle over the spiced sugar.
Cut the dough into strips about 3cm wide. Starting at the long edge of each strip, roll it tightly into a log.
Place the first log in the centre of the greased springform tin. Roll the remaining strips around it until all strips are used, forming one giant cinnamon swirl.
Bake in the preheated oven at 180°C for 25 minutes, then reduce the heat to 160°C, cover with foil and bake for a further 35 minutes. Remove from the oven and leave to cool for 20 minutes.
While the cake is baking, make the icing by placing the cream cheese in a bowl with the icing sugar, vanilla and oat milk. Stir with a fork until smooth and creamy.
Drizzle the icing over the cooled giant cinnamon swirl before serving.
Want to meal prep without eating the same thing every day? This recipe is all about creating flavour-packed building blocks — simple components you can roast once in your Cuisinart Tri-Zone Airfryer and turn into three totally different, delicious plant-based meals. You’ll roast up pumpkin, chickpeas and a mix of veggies, then use them as the base for a cosy autumn nourish bowl, a hearty lentil curry, and a silky roasted pumpkin soup.
Takes 1 hourhour20 minutesminutes
Serves 2
Ingredients
Zone 1 – Roasted Pumpkin
1medium pumpkin or butternut squashapprox. 1.2kg, peeled & cubed
1tbspolive oil
Salt & pepper
Zone 2 – Crispy Chickpeas
2tins chickpeasdrained & patted dry
1tbspolive oil
1tspsmoked paprika
1tbsptamari or soy sauce
Pinchof salt
Zone 3 – Lentil and coconut Curry
1/2red onionsliced
1carrotchopped
1red pepperchopped
1courgettezucchini, chopped
1tin400g brown or green lentils, drained
1tbspcurry powder
½tspturmeric
1tbspground cumin
Pinchof salt
300mlof coconut milk
Extras for Assembly
400mlvegetable stock
200gcooked rice or quinoa
20gfresh coriander
Juice of 1 lime
1avocado
2tbsppumpkin seeds
Tahini-Lemon Dressing
2tbsptahini
Juice of ½ lemon
1tbspolive oil
1tspmaple syrup
2tbspwarm water
Pinchof salt
Instructions
Cook the Components in the Cuisinart Tri-Zone Airfryer
Zone 1 – Pumpkin: Roast at 190°C for 25–30 mins, tossing halfway, until golden and soft.
Zone 2 – Chickpeas: Toss with oil, paprika, tamari, and salt. Roast at 190°C for 20–25 mins, shaking halfway, until crisp.
Zone 3 – curry: add all ingredients to a bowl that will fit in your air fryer drawer and Roast at 180°C for 20–25 mins, until tender and cooked through.
Let cool slightly before assembling or refrigerating in containers.
Assemble Your Dishes
Meal 1 – Pumpkin Nourish Bowl
Add a base of quinoa or rice to a bowl.
Top with roasted pumpkin (Zone 1) and crispy chickpeas (Zone 2).
Add sliced avocado and a sprinkle of pumpkin seeds.
Drizzle with tahini-lemon dressing.
Meal 2 – Coconut Lentil Curry
Serve with rice and garnish with fresh coriander.
Meal 3 – Roasted Pumpkin Soup
In a blender, combine the remaining roasted pumpkin (Zone 1) with 300–400ml vegetable stock, 100ml coconut milk, and a pinch of salt.
Blend until smooth and creamy.
Warm gently before serving and drizzle with tahini or a spoon of coconut milk.
Serving / Storage Tips
Keep each roasted component in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.
Mix and match through the week — or batch blend the soup for the freezer!
A simple, efficient autumn meal prep that shows off the Tri-Zone Airfryer’s full range — roasting, crisping, and creating the base for both a curry and a soup.
These no-bake Pumpkin Peanut Butter Bars are rich, chewy, and full of autumn flavour — the perfect treat for peanut butter and pumpkin lovers alike. Made with wholesome, gluten-free, and vegan ingredients, they come together in minutes and make a delicious seasonal snack or dessert.
Takes 1 hourhour
Serves 9
Ingredients
200gpumpkin purée or cooked pumpkinabout ⅔ cup
130gsmooth peanut butterabout ½ cup
1 tbspcoconut oil
80gmaple syrupabout ¼ cup
1tspvanilla extract
½tspground cinnamon
Pinchof ground ginger
¼tspmixed spice
100goat flakesabout 1 cup
200gdark chocolate chips50% cocoa or higher; about 1¼ cups
Pinchof sea saltoptional
Instructions
Blend the wet base:
Add 200g pumpkin purée, 80g maple syrup, 130g peanut butter, coconut oil, 1 tsp vanilla extract, ½ tsp cinnamon, a pinch of ground ginger, ¼ tsp mixed spice, and a pinch of salt (if using) to a food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
Combine with oats:
Transfer the pumpkin mixture to a large mixing bowl. Add 100g oat flakes and stir until well combined. The mixture should be thick, slightly sticky, and hold together when pressed.
Shape the base:
Line a 20 × 20cm (8 × 8in) square baking tin with parchment paper. Spoon the mixture into the tin and press down firmly with a spatula or the back of a spoon until even and compact.
Melt the chocolate:
Place 200g dark chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Melt gently over a bain-marie or in short 30-second microwave bursts, stirring until smooth and glossy.
Coat and chill:
Pour the melted chocolate over the pumpkin-oat base and smooth the surface. Refrigerate for at least 50 minutes, or until the chocolate is firm and the bars are set.
Slice and serve:
Once set, lift the slab from the tin using the parchment paper. Place on a cutting board and slice into 9 even bars or smaller squares. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
This is beautiful food that nourishes the mind, body, and soul! Quick to prepare, packed with fibre, bright colours (antioxidants), and plant diversity — it’s a vibrant bowl that works wonderfully warm straight from the oven or cold as a refreshing salad the next day.
Takes 30 minutesminutes
Serves 2
Ingredients
½medium squashapprox. 400g / 2½ cups
1× 400g tin butter beans250g / 1½ cups drained weight
1tspsmoked paprika
2tbsptamari or soy sauce
3tbspolive oildivided
Pinchsea salt
100g½ cup quinoa
½tspground turmeric
½cucumber
15cherry tomatoesabout 150g / 1 cup
20gsmall handful / ¼ cup fresh coriander or parsley
½fresh pomegranate
2tbspblack sesame seeds
130g½ cup The Happy Pear Sweet Beet Hummus
Instructions
Roast the squash
Preheat the oven to 200°C (392°F).
Peel and slice ½ medium squash (approx. 400g) into half-moon slices.
In a bowl, toss the squash with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp tamari or soy sauce, and a generous pinch of salt.
Spread evenly on a baking tray and roast for 25 minutes, until golden and tender.
Roast the butter beans
Drain and rinse 1 tin (250g drained) butter beans.
In the same bowl, mix them with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp tamari, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt.
Spread on a separate baking tray and roast for 20 minutes at 200°C (392°F), until nice and crispy.
Cook the quinoa
Rinse 100g quinoa under cold water.
Add to a saucepan with ½ tsp ground turmeric and a pinch of salt.
Cook according to the packet instructions (usually 12–15 minutes) until fluffy.
Set aside to cool slightly.
Prepare the fresh toppings
Finely dice ½ cucumber and 15 cherry tomatoes.
Roughly chop 20g fresh coriander or parsley.
De-seed ½ pomegranate by gently tapping the back with a wooden spoon.
Assemble the nourish bowls
Divide 130g Sweet Beet Hummus between two plates or bowls, spreading it in a thick layer across the base.
Spoon a generous serving of quinoa over each.
Add the diced cucumber, tomatoes, and herbs.
Layer on the roasted squash, then top with the crispy butter beans.
Finish and serve
Sprinkle over the pomegranate seeds and 1 tbsp black sesame seeds per bowl.
Drizzle with the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil, if desired.
This week we sat down with Paul Hawken, a renowned American environmentalist, entrepreneur, and author who has dedicated his life to addressing ecological and social challenges. Paul is the founder of pioneering initiatives such as Project Drawdown and Project Regeneration, and has written influential books including The Ecology of Commerce, Blessed Unrest, Drawdown, and Regeneration. His work focuses on rethinking how humans live and thrive within the natural world, offering hopeful and practical pathways toward a more regenerative future.
Episode 184
Together, we explore the deeper roots of the climate crisis, looking beyond carbon to the cultural, social, and ecological systems that shape our relationship with nature. Paul shares his vision of regeneration — not just as a set of environmental practices, but as a fundamental shift in worldview that embraces interconnectedness, justice, and reciprocity. We discuss how changing the stories we tell about nature can transform the way we live, the importance of seeing the Earth as a living community rather than a resource, and why regeneration offers a more life-affirming framework than simply reducing harm.
This episode is a powerful reminder that addressing the climate emergency is not only about technical solutions but also about changing how we see ourselves in relation to the planet. Paul offers both hope and clarity, showing how every person has a role to play in creating a more regenerative, resilient, and beautiful future.
Dave & Steve
Lots of love,
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This Mexican-inspired meal prep is all about flavour, variety, and convenience. By cooking a few core components at once, you can mix and match them into three tasty dinners for the week: burrito bowls, tacos, and stuffed sweet potatoes, plus a batch of chilli chocolate energy balls to keep you fueled on the go. It’s vibrant, nutritious, and a brilliant way to stay ahead with wholesome meals ready in the fridge.
Takes 1 hourhour
Serves 3
Ingredients
Protein Base: Smoky Black Beans
2× 400g tins black beansdrained and rinsed
1medium onionfinely chopped
2clovesgarlicminced
1tbspcumin seeds
2tspground cumin
1tspsmoked paprika
1tbspolive oil
Juice of ½ lime
Pinchof salt & pepper
Carb Base: Mexican-Style Rice
300gpre cooked brown rice
1tbspolive oil
2clovesgarlicminced
1small onionfinely chopped
1tspground cumin
1tspsmoked paprika
2tbsptomato purée
2tbspwater
Roast Veg Tray: Sweet Potato & Peppers
1medium sweet potatodiced (with skin)
2red pepperschopped
1red onioncut into wedges
1tbspolive oil
1tspcumin
1tsppaprika
Zest of 1 lime
Pinchsalt & pepper
Stuffed Sweet Potato Base: Roasted Halves
2medium sweet potatoessliced lengthwise
Drizzle olive oilpinch salt
Fresh/Pickle: Quick-Pickled Red Onion & Jalapeño
1red onionthinly sliced
1fresh jalapeñothinly sliced (optional, for heat)
100mlapple cider vinegaror white wine vinegar
1tbspmaple syrup
100mwater
Pinchof salt
Sauce: Cashew-Lime Crema
150gcashewssoaked 15 mins in boiling water, drained
Juice of 1/2 lime
1tbspolive oilor water for lighter version
½tspgarlic powder
Pinchof salt
150mlwater or oat milk(adjust for texture)
Snack: Chilli Chocolate Energy Balls
200gpitted dates
100grolled oats
2tbspcocoa powder
2tbsppeanut butteror almond butter
1tspcinnamon
Pinchcayenneoptional
Pinchof salt
Instructions
Smoky Black Beans
Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.
Add onion and cook for 5 mins until softened. Stir in garlic and cumin seeds, cook for 1 min.
Add ground cumin and smoked paprika, stir for 30 secs until fragrant.
Add beans with 100ml water, simmer for 5–7 mins until flavours combine.
Stir in lime juice, season with salt & pepper, then set aside.
Mexican-Style Rice
Heat olive oil in a pan, add onion and garlic, cook 3–4 mins until soft.
Add cumin and smoked paprika, stir for 1 min.
Stir in tomato purée and water, simmer for 2 mins.
Add pre-cooked rice, mix well, and heat through. Set aside.
Roast Veg Tray: Sweet Potato & Peppers
Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
Toss sweet potato, peppers, and red onion with olive oil, cumin, paprika, lime zest, salt & pepper.
Spread on a lined tray, roast 25–30 mins until golden and tender (or air-fry).
Stuffed Sweet Potato Base: Roasted Halves
Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
Place sweet potato halves cut-side down on a lined tray, drizzle with oil and sprinkle with salt.
Roast 35–40 mins until soft and caramelised.
Quick-Pickled Red Onion & Jalapeño
In a small pan, heat vinegar, water, maple syrup, and salt until just steaming (don’t boil).
Pour over sliced onion and jalapeño in a heatproof jar.
Leave to cool, then store in the fridge (ready in 30 mins, best after a few hours).
Cashew-Lime Crema
Add soaked cashews, lime juice, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and water/oat milk to a blender.
Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust thickness with extra water if needed.
Chilli Chocolate Energy Balls
Blitz all ingredients in a food processor until mixture is sticky and holds together.
Roll into 14–16 small balls.
Optional: coat in cocoa powder or desiccated coconut.
A comforting dessert perfect for autumn, combining apples with wild blackberries from the hedgerows of Wicklow, topped with a sweet, crumbly topping. Served with a quick custard, it’s a classic treat.
Takes
Serves 6
Ingredients
Fruit:
1.4kgapples or pears
200gblackberries or other berriesabout 1 ¼ cups
120mlwater8 tbsp
30mlmaple syrup or 2 tbsp brown sugar
2tspground cinnamon
Crumble Topping:
150goats1 ½ cups (gluten-free if necessary)
100gground almonds1 cup
3tbsppumpkin seeds
3tbspsunflower seeds
50gdesiccated coconut½ cup
100gplant-based butter or coconut oil
90gbrown sugar or coconut sugar½ cup
Custard:
500mloat milk2 cups
80gicing sugar2/3 cup
1/10tspturmeric powder
5tbspcornflour
Instructions
Preheat the oven:
Set to 170°C fan.
Prepare the fruit:
Wash, core and chop apples into bite-sized pieces. Remove tops from strawberries if using.
Stew the fruit:
Combine fruit, water, maple syrup or sugar, and cinnamon in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes until tender but still holding shape. Stir occasionally. Add fresh blueberries at the end if using.
Prepare the crumble topping:
In a bowl, mix oats, ground almonds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds and desiccated coconut. Melt the plant-based butter or coconut oil and allow to cool slightly, then stir into the dry mixture with the sugar or additional maple syrup. Mix well.
Assemble the crumble:
Transfer the stewed fruit into the ovenproof dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the fruit.
Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes until topping is golden and fruit is bubbling.
Make the custard:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine oat milk, icing sugar and turmeric. Whisk together. In a separate small bowl, mix 5 tbsp cornflour with approximately 50 ml of the oat milk mixture to form a slurry. Add the slurry to the saucepan and bring to a boil, whisking constantly, until thickened. Remove from heat and thin with 1–2 tbsp oat milk if needed.
Serve:
Best served warm with a generous portion of custard on top.
A lightly tangy, refreshing probiotic drink made from oat groats and natural fermentation. In the first fermentation, the oats and sugar feed wild yeasts and lactic acid bacteria to create a mildly sour, digestive tonic. The strained liquid is then bottled for a short second fermentation to develop natural carbonation.
Takes 4 daysdays5 minutesminutes
Serves 8
Ingredients
125g1 cup oat groats (whole, unrolled oats)
100g½ cup brown or white sugar, coconut sugar, or maple syrup
1litres4 1/4 cups filtered water
1lemon
Optional flavourings: small knob of gingerlemon peel, cinnamon stick, or vanilla pod
Instructions
Prepare the base:
Rinse 125 g oat groats under cold water. Add them to a clean 2-litre glass jar or crock.
Add water and sugar:
Dissolve 100 g sugar in 1 litre water. Pour over the oats, leaving a little headspace at the top.
Add flavourings (optional):
Add a small knob of ginger, lemon peel, or a cinnamon stick if desired.
Ferment:
Close the lid and leave at room temperature (20–25 °C / 68–77 °F) for 2–3 days. Stir once a day. You’ll start to see bubbles and a slight sour aroma — this means it’s fermenting. Taste after 48 hours: it should be gently tangy, mildly sweet, and slightly effervescent.
Strain:
When the flavour is balanced (mildly tart with a hint of sweetness), strain out the liquid through a fine sieve or cheesecloth into a clean jug. Discard or compost the oats (or use them to start another batch once).
Bottle for carbonation:
Pour the strained kvass into swing-top bottles, leaving about 3 cm (1 in) headspace.
If desired, add 1 tsp sugar or a few raisins per 500 ml bottle to encourage fizz.
Ferment again:
Leave the sealed bottles at room temperature for 12–24 hours, depending on ambient warmth. Check after 12 hours — when you see fine bubbles or hear a soft hiss when opening, it’s ready.
Refrigerate:
Transfer to the fridge to halt fermentation. Chill before serving. The kvass will continue to develop flavour over several days.
Notes
Serving & Storage
Serve cold as a light, refreshing probiotic drink — earthy, slightly sweet, and gently sparkling.
Keeps in the fridge for 1–2 weeks.
Open bottles carefully — natural carbonation can build pressure.
Notes & Tips
Re-culturing: You can use 2 tbsp of the previous kvass (or a few tbsp of the oat mixture) to inoculate the next batch.
Sweeter version: Add fruit (apple slices, dates, or berries) in the first ferment for a fruity note.
Stronger tang: Ferment the first stage for up to 4 days before bottling.
Easy Pumpkin & Butter Bean Casserole with Sundried Tomato Pesto
This cosy dish is creamy, hearty, and full of comforting flavours. With just 5 minutes of prep, it bakes into a nourishing dinner that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening.
Takes 30 minutesminutes
Serves 2
Ingredients
1x 400g tin butter beansabout 2 ½ cups cooked
1x 400g tin cannellini beans or chickpeasabout 2 ½ cups cooked
400gpumpkinabout 1 ½ cups
200gcherry tomatoesabout 1 ¼ cups
1bunch scallions/green onions6–8, ~1 cup chopped
135gThe Happy Pear Sundried Tomato Pestoabout ½ cup
200mloat milk or similarabout ¾ cup + 1 tbsp
5tbspbreadcrumbsabout 30 g / ¼ cup
½tspmixed herbs
Drizzle olive oil~1 tbsp / 15 ml
½tspsalt
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 200°C.
Drain and rinse the beans.
Carefully chop ½ the pumpkin into thin wedges that are approx ½ cm thick and the other half slice into small 1cm cubes.
Quarter the cherry tomatoes and finely slice the scallions.
In a casserole dish, combine the beans, pumpkin, tomatoes, scallions, sundried tomato pesto, and oat milk along with a generous pinch of salt. Mix until creamy and well combined. Taste and season.
Top with breadcrumbs ,mixed herbs, the slices pumpkin wedges, a pinch of salt, and a drizzle of olive oil.
Bake for 25 minutes until golden on top and the pumpkin is cooked all the way through.
Remove from the oven and enjoy warm, straight from the dish!
A crunchy, protein-packed twist on chocolate bark, featuring roasted chickpeas for a nutty texture, dark chocolate for richness, and seeds and goji berries for extra nutrients. Perfect as a snack or a little treat with your tea.
Takes 35 minutesminutes
Serves 8
Ingredients
1x 400g tin of cooked chickpeasdrained and rinsed
150gdark chocolateabout 1 cup chips or chopped
20gdried goji berriesabout 2 tbsp
20gpumpkin seedsabout 2 tbsp
Pinchof sea salt
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or prepare your airfryer.
Spread the chickpeas on a baking tray or in the airfryer basket and roast for 15–20 minutes until golden and crispy, shaking halfway. Allow to cool.
Melt the dark chocolate gently in a heatproof bowl over simmering water or in short bursts in the microwave.
Spread the melted chocolate evenly onto a tray lined with parchment paper.
Scatter the goji berries, pumpkin seeds, and a pinch of sea salt over the chocolate chickpea bark.
Leave to set in the fridge for 20 minutes, or until firm.
Similar to a classic ginger bug, this naturally fermented starter uses the natural sugars and skin yeasts of raw carrots and ginger to build a fizzy culture that can transform fresh-pressed juices or herbal teas into delicious, gut-friendly sodas. This is the base for the Immunity Soda – a bright, zesty drink packed with carrot, ginger, and lemon to help support your immune system.
Takes 7 daysdays20 minutesminutes
Serves 8
Ingredients
Carrot Bug Base:
100g½ cup fresh carrot or beetroot, finely chopped or grated
10–15g1 tbsp fresh ginger, finely chopped
2tspbrown sugar
200ml¾ cup filtered water
Daily feeding (for 5 days):
10–15g1 tbsp finely chopped ginger
1tspbrown sugar
For the Immunity Soda (makes about 1 litre):
50ml3 tbsp + 1 tsp active carrot or beetroot bug
300ml1¼ cups fresh carrot juice
150ml⅔ cup fresh ginger tea or ginger juice
500ml2 cups filtered still or sparkling water
Juice of 1 lemon
1½tbspmaple syrupor to taste
Instructions
To start the bug, place 100g finely chopped carrot or beetroot, 10–15g chopped ginger, 2 tsp brown sugar, and 200ml filtered water into a sterilised 1-litre jar. Stir until the sugar dissolves, cover loosely with a clean cloth or lid, and label with the start date.
Feed the bug daily for the next five days by adding 10–15g finely chopped ginger and 1 tsp brown sugar each day, stirring thoroughly after each addition. This daily feeding keeps the beneficial bacteria and wild yeasts alive and encourages fermentation. You should begin to notice gentle bubbling and a sweet, slightly yeasty aroma after a few days — a good sign that it’s becoming active.
Open the jar once a day to release gas and prevent pressure building up. After five days, the bug should smell pleasantly yeasty and slightly sweet, with visible bubbles rising to the surface. At this stage, it’s ready to use in homemade sodas.
Once active, store your bug in the fridge with a loose-fitting lid. Feed it once a week with 10g chopped carrot or beetroot and 1 tsp sugar to keep it healthy. To reactivate the bug before using it again, leave it at room temperature and feed daily for one to two days until bubbly.
To make the Immunity Soda, combine 300ml fresh carrot juice, 150ml ginger tea or juice, the juice of one lemon, and 1½ tbsp maple syrup in a large jug. Stir well to mix. Add 50ml of your active carrot or beetroot bug, then top up with 500ml filtered still or sparkling water, stirring gently to combine.
Pour the mixture into swing-top bottles or jars with tight-fitting lids, leaving about 3cm of headspace at the top. Leave the bottles at room temperature for 24–48 hours to naturally carbonate, “burping” them daily to release excess pressure.
Once the soda is bubbly and lightly fizzy, transfer it to the fridge to slow the fermentation. Serve chilled over ice for a refreshing, probiotic-rich Immunity Soda that’s full of life and flavour.
This simple treat combines the sweetness of fresh clementines with rich dark chocolate and a sprinkle of pistachios and goji berries for crunch and colour. It’s quick to make, naturally high in antioxidants, and makes a beautiful sharing snack.
This one-pan, no-bake lasagne is fast, hearty and packed with plant-based protein. Broken lasagne sheets are simmered directly in a rich walnut–lentil tomato ragù, then topped with a creamy cashew sauce, basil pesto and golden breadcrumbs. It has all the flavour of a slow-cooked lasagne, ready in just 20 minutes.
Takes
Serves 4
Ingredients
For the ragù
30golive oil2 tbsp
150gonion1 medium, 1 cup finely chopped
2clovesgarlic
100gcarrot1 medium, ⅔ cup finely diced
150gcourgette1 medium, 1 cup finely diced
100gwalnuts1 cup, roughly chopped
400gcooked lentils1 tin, drained, 2¼ cups
680gpassata3 cups
200gtomato purée¾ cup
30mltamari2 tbsp
15mlmaple syrup1 tbsp
12gsea salt2 tsp
10gfresh basil or flat-leaf parsleysmall bunch, ½ cup chopped
200glasagne sheetspreferably red lentil or chickpea-based, broken into pieces, about 8 sheets
200mlvegetable stock¾ cup
For the cashew cream
100graw cashews¾ cup
210mloat milk¾ cup + 2 tbsp
30mlolive oil2 tbsp
Juice of ¼ lime1 tsp
2gsea saltgenerous pinch
Pinchof black pepper
To serve
50gbreadcrumbs½ cup
100mlbasil pesto⅓ cup
Olive oilfor drizzling
Instructions
Prep the vegetables:
Peel and finely chop the onion and garlic. Finely dice the carrot and courgette. Roughly chop the walnuts and finely chop the basil or parsley. Drain and rinse the lentils.
Sauté the base vegetables:
Heat the olive oil in a large, deep non-stick pan over high heat. Add the onion and cook for 2 minutes, stirring regularly. Add the garlic, carrot and courgette and cook for another 2 minutes.
Build the ragù:
Add the walnuts, lentils, passata, tomato purée, tamari, maple syrup and sea salt. Stir well to combine.
Add the pasta and cook:
Break the lasagne sheets into bite-sized pieces and stir them through the sauce so they are evenly spread and not stuck together. Add the vegetable stock, cover with a lid, and simmer over medium heat for 7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Make the cashew cream:
Blend the cashews, oat milk, olive oil, lime juice, sea salt and black pepper until silky smooth. Add a little extra oat milk to loosen if needed.
Assemble and garnish:
When the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened, drizzle over the cashew cream, add spoonfuls of basil pesto and sprinkle with breadcrumbs. Drizzle lightly with olive oil.
Crisp the top:
Lightly char the surface with a blowtorch or place the pan under a hot grill for 3–5 minutes until crisp and bubbling.
Serve:
Scatter over the chopped fresh basil or parsley and serve hot, straight from the pan.
These golden chips get their signature lightness and flavour from a short lactic acid fermentation. The result? Crisp outsides, fluffy insides, and a subtle tangy kick that makes them deeply savoury and naturally moreish. They’re fermented, plant-based, and a wonderful example of bringing real food to life—literally!
Takes 3 daysdays40 minutesminutes
Serves 4
Ingredients
1kgfloury potatoesMaris Piper or Rooster work brilliantly
1L4¼ cups filtered water
15g1 tbsp sea salt
Neutral oil for cookingrapeseed, sunflower, or avocado oil
To finish (optional but excellent):
Flaky sea salt
Fresh thyme or rosemary
Cracked black pepper
Plant-based aioli or fermented hot sauce for dipping
Instructions
Prep the potatoes
Cut the potatoes (leave the skins on if you can, as this boosts fibre) into chip or French fry shapes, about 1cm thick.
Rinse well under cold water to remove surface starch.
Ferment the chips (2–3 days)
In a large jar or fermentation-safe container, dissolve 15g salt into 1L filtered water to make your brine.
Submerge the raw chips fully in the brine. Weigh them down with a fermentation weight or a clean glass to keep them under the liquid.
Cover loosely with a lid or cloth and leave to ferment at room temperature for 2–3 days. You should see small bubbles and notice a lightly sour aroma by day 2 or 3. Fermentation begins breaking down the starches, improving digestibility and enhancing flavour, while adding a gentle acidity for extra depth.
Rinse and dry
After fermentation, drain and rinse the chips well.
Pat them completely dry with a clean tea towel—this step is crucial for crispness.
Cook the chips
Option 1: Air fry (healthier)
Toss the chips lightly in 15–30g (1–2 tbsp) neutral oil.
Air fry at 200°C (392°F) for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway, until golden and crisp.
Option 2: Oven-bake
Preheat the oven to 220°C (428°F).
Spread chips on a parchment-lined tray, drizzle with 30–45g (2–3 tbsp) oil, and toss to coat.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, turning halfway, until crisp.
Option 3: Shallow fry (for maximum crunch)
Heat oil in a deep pan to 180°C (356°F).
Fry the fermented chips in batches for 3–5 minutes until golden.
Drain on kitchen paper and season straight away.
To finish
While still hot, toss the chips with flaky sea salt, chopped herbs, or cracked black pepper.
Serve with your favourite fermented ketchup, hot sauce, or plant-based aioli.
Tips
Don’t ferment for longer than 3 days or the chips may soften too much.
For a probiotic twist, serve with sauerkraut or kimchi on the side.
Save the potato fermentation brine—it’s packed with flavour and can be used to kickstart other ferments!
These golden, crisp seed crackers are made from just a handful of ingredients and pack a punch of fibre, healthy fats, and crunch. Chia seeds give the base a naturally 'gloopy' texture that binds everything without flour or eggs. Perfect with dips, hummus, or on their own as a nourishing snack!
Takes 55 minutesminutes
Serves 4
Ingredients
150gchia seeds1 cup
400mlhot water1 & 2/3 cups
½tspsea salt or kosher saltplus extra for sprinkling
280gmixed raw seedse.g., pumpkin, sunflower, sesame, hemp (2 cups)
4tbspolive oil or avocado oildivided (2 tbsp + 2 tbsp), plus extra for greasing
Instructions
Preheat the oven:
Preheat to 200°C (400°F) and position a rack in the centre of the oven.
Prepare the chia mixture:
In a mixing bowl, combine 150g (1 cup) chia seeds with 400ml (1 & 3/4 cup) boiling water and ½ tsp sea salt. Stir well and leave to sit for 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens to a gloopy, egg white-like texture.
Add the mixed seeds:
Add 280g (2 cups) mixed raw seeds to the flax mixture and stir until evenly combined. Taste and add a pinch more salt if needed.
Grease and line your baking tray:
Lightly oil a large baking tray (approx. 30 × 40cm or a half-sheet pan) and line with parchment paper. Brush the parchment with 2 tbsp oil to help the mixture spread evenly.
Spread the cracker mixture:
Transfer the seed mixture onto the tray and spread it thinly and evenly across the surface using a spatula or the back of a spoon.
Brush with oil and salt:
Brush the top of the spread-out mixture with the remaining 2 tbsp oil and sprinkle with a little more sea salt.
Bake in two stages:
Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 25–28 minutes until the edges start to turn golden. Then open the oven door briefly to release steam, reduce the temperature to 175°C (350°F), rotate the tray, and bake for a further 12–15 minutes until golden brown all over.
Cool and break into pieces:
Allow the cracker sheet to cool in the tray or on a wire rack. Once cool, snap into bite-sized crackers or rustic shards.
Store:
Store in an airtight container for 2–3 weeks. Keeps best in a cool, dry place.
Inspired by the classic PB & J sandwich, these nourishing bites are made with wholefood ingredients, packed with nuts, dates, peanut butter, and berry jam. Each one is fully coated in dark chocolate for a crisp, satisfying finish. We used silicone ice cube moulds for neat portions, but you can also press the mixture into a tray and cut into small squares before dipping.
Takes 25 minutesminutes
Serves 24
Ingredients
Base layer
200g1 cup tightly packed pitted dates
100g¾ cup almonds or walnuts
2tbsppeanut butter or almond butter
20g4 tbsp cocoa or cacao powder
1tspvanilla extract
Pinchof sea salt
1tspespresso powderoptional
3–4 tbsp water
Peanut butter filling
150g½ cup creamy peanut butter
3tbspalmond flour or almond meal
2tbsp30ml maple syrup
1tbsp15ml melted coconut oil
½tspvanilla extract
Jam layer
200gapprox. ¾ cup berry jam of choice
Chocolate coating
300gabout 2 cups dark chocolate (you’ll have some leftover)
1tbspcoconut oil
Instructions
Prepare the base:
Add the dates and almonds (or walnuts) to a food processor. Blitz until a coarse crumb forms. Add the peanut butter, cocoa powder, vanilla, salt, and espresso powder if using. Blend again until sticky and the mixture holds together when pinched, adding water 1 tbsp at a time if needed.
Fill the moulds:
Line silicone ice cube moulds (or a 20cm x 20cm tin) with a little baking parchment if needed. Divide the base mixture evenly between 24 moulds, pressing it down firmly with damp fingers or the back of a spoon. Chill while you prepare the next layer.
Make the peanut butter filling:
In a bowl, stir together the peanut butter, almond flour, maple syrup, coconut oil, and vanilla until smooth. Spoon a little of this mixture over each base, spreading it evenly. Return to the fridge or freezer for 10 minutes to firm.
Add the jam:
Spoon about 1 tsp jam over each bite. Smooth the tops and chill again for at least 30 minutes until fully firm.
Melt the chocolate:
Melt the chocolate with the coconut oil in a heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water (or in short microwave bursts), stirring until silky smooth.
Coat the bites:
Pop the firm bites from their moulds. Using a fork, carefully dip each one into the melted chocolate until fully coated. Let the excess drip off before placing them on a parchment-lined tray. Sprinkle with a little sea salt or crushed nuts if desired.
Chill to set:
Place in the fridge for 20–30 minutes until the chocolate is crisp and set.
Store and enjoy:
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 1 month.
A rich, tangy and spiced syrup packed with elderberries, rosehips, blackberries and warming spices. Naturally sweetened with maple syrup, this tonic is bursting with antioxidants and vitamin C, a delicious way to support your immune system through the colder months.
Remove elderberries and rosehips from their stalks. Dice the ginger and turmeric. Slice the lemon.
Simmer the base
Place the elderberries, rosehips, blackberries, cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, black pepper and lemon slices into a medium saucepan with the water. Bring to the boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has reduced by about half.
Strain
Remove from the heat. Mash the mixture gently with the back of a spoon to release the juices. Strain through a fine sieve or muslin cloth into a clean bowl, pressing to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the solids.
Sweeten and finish
While the liquid is still warm (but not boiling hot), stir in the maple syrup and a squeeze of lemon juice. Mix until fully combined.
Bottle and store
Pour into sterilised glass bottles or jars. Store in the fridge for up to 2 months.
Notes
How to Use
Daily support: Take 1–2 tsp daily.
At the first sign of a cold/flu: Take 1 tsp every 3–4 hours.
Serving ideas: Stir into warm water or tea, or drizzle over porridge and yoghurt.
Cornflake-Crusted Tofu Tenders with Smoky Buffalo Glaze
Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside—these cornflake-crusted tofu strips are packed with smoky flavour and finished in a fiery buffalo glaze. Baked or air-fried for a healthier twist, they’re perfect for sharing, dipping, or stuffing into wraps.
Takes 30 minutesminutes
Serves 4
Ingredients
For the tofu tenders
225gfirm smoked tofu
2tbsptamarito marinade
For the tofu tenders
140goat milk½ cup + 2 tbsp
15gapple cider vinegar1 tbsp
3ggarlic powder1 tsp
3gsmoked paprika1 tsp
75gplain flour½ cup
For the cornflake coating:
100gcornflakes3 cups, crushed
Pinchof sea salt
Olive oil sprayfor baking
For the buffalo glaze
120ghot sauce½ cup – e.g. Frank’s
45gvegan butter3 tbsp
15gmaple syrup1 tbsp
2ggarlic powder½ tsp
Instructions
Prepare the tofu:
Cut the tofu into strips approx. 6cm x 3cm x 1cm. Trim the corners to form diamond-shaped pieces. Cross hatch on both sides to help flavour absorption. Lay in a baking tray and drizzle over the tamari. Leave to marinade while you prep the buttermilk batter
Make the buttermilk batter:
In a bowl, combine oat milk and apple cider vinegar. Let sit for 2 minutes. Whisk in flour, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt to form a smooth batter.
Crush the coating:
In a separate bowl, crush the cornflakes by hand or in a bag until coarse crumbs form.
Coat the tofu:
Dip each tofu piece into the batter, then roll in the crushed cornflakes to coat evenly. Use one hand for wet batter and the other for dry crumbs to avoid clumping.
Bake or air fry:
Preheat the oven or air fryer to 200°C (392°F). Place coated tofu pieces on a lined baking tray or air fryer basket, spaced apart. Spray lightly with olive oil.
Bake or air fry for 15–20 minutes, until crisp and golden.
Make the buffalo glaze:
In a small saucepan, combine hot sauce, vegan butter, maple syrup, and garlic powder. Heat gently, stirring until smooth and warm.
Glaze and serve:
Toss the cooked tofu tenders in the buffalo glaze until well coated. Serve immediately with vegan ranch dip, celery sticks, or in a wrap.
These vibrant, chewy flapjacks are made with naturally sweet toasted coconut, homemade pistachio butter, and a handful of wholesome ingredients. Bound together with maple syrup and optionally finished with a rich dark chocolate topping, they’re perfect as a snack, lunchbox filler, or healthier sweet treat.
Takes 40 minutesminutes
Serves
Ingredients
For the flapjack base
120gshelled pistachiosabout 1 cup
100grolled oats1 cup
60gdesiccated coconut¾ cup
60gchopped shelled pistachios½ cup
100mlmaple syrup⅓ cup + 1 tbsp
2tbspcoconut oil
1tspvanilla extract
1tbspchia seeds
Pinchof sea salt
For the topping
200gdark chocolateabout 1¼ cups chopped
1tspcoconut oil
Flaky sea salt or crushed nuts/seedsto garnish
Instructions
Toast the coconut and make the pistachio butter
In a dry frying pan, toast 60g desiccated coconut (¾ cup) over a medium heat for 2–3 minutes until golden and fragrant, stirring frequently. Set aside to cool.
In a high-speed blender or food processor, blend 120g pistachios (1 cup) with 2 tbsp coconut oil until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed. This will take 3–5 minutes depending on your blender.
Combine the dry ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add 100g oats (1 cup), the toasted coconut, 60g chopped pistachios (½ cup), 1 tbsp chia seeds, and a pinch of sea salt. Stir to combine.
Mix in the wet ingredients
Add the pistachio butter (about 120g / ½ cup), maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Mix well until evenly combined and sticky.
Press into a tin
Line a small tray or loaf tin (approx. 20 × 20 cm) with baking parchment. Press the mixture evenly into the tin using the back of a spoon or damp fingers to smooth the surface.
Chocolate topping
Melt the dark chocolate with 1 tsp coconut oil using a bain-marie or in short bursts in the microwave. Pour over the flapjack base and spread evenly. Garnish with flaky sea salt or chopped pistachios if desired.
Chill and slice
Place the tray in the fridge or freezer for about 20 minutes, until fully set. Slice into 12 bars or squares and enjoy.
A ginger bug is like a sourdough starter for drinks, building a probiotic culture over days of feeding. Once active, it naturally carbonates teas, juices, or sodas. Our turmeric version boosts immunity with the antimicrobial power of ginger and turmeric plus gut-friendly bacteria.
Takes 5 daysdays
Serves 1
Ingredients
100gfresh turmericoptional, for immune-boosting version
In a 3-litre sterilised jar, add 100g finely chopped ginger (and/ or turmeric, if using), 2 tbsp brown sugar, and 500ml filtered water. Stir well to dissolve the sugar. Seal with a loose-fitting lid and label with the date.
Feed daily for 5 days:
Each day, add 10–15g finely chopped ginger (or ginger-turmeric mix) and 1 tsp brown sugar. Stir well. This daily feeding keeps the yeasts and bacteria alive and active.
Burp daily:
Open the lid once a day for a few seconds to release any built-up gas, then reseal. This prevents pressure from building and avoids jar explosions.
Ready to use:
After 5 days, the bug should smell yeasty and slightly sweet-like beer or sourdough. It’s now ready to use in probiotic drinks.
Storage:
Keep the finished bug in the fridge and feed it once a week to keep it alive. It will last approx. 1 week without feeding. Bring it back to room temp and resume feeding to reactivate.
Sweet, chewy and packed with wholefoods, these no-bake flapjacks come together in minutes and are perfect for lunchboxes, mid-morning snacks or a healthier treat.
Takes 10 minutesminutes
Serves 12
Ingredients
180g2 cups rolled oats
60g½ cup chopped nuts (cashews, almonds, etc.) or roasted sunflower seeds
100ml⅓ cup + 1 tbsp maple syrup
120g½ cup almond butter, peanut butter or seed butter (e.g. tahini)
2tbspcoconut oil
1tspvanilla extract
1tbspchia seeds
Pinchof sea salt
Optional: ½ tsp ground cinnamon or finely grated orange zest
For the topping (optional):
200gdark chocolate
1tspcoconut oil
Flaky sea salt or crushed nuts/seedsto garnish
Instructions
Make the base:
In a mixing bowl, pulse or crush the oats (180g) and nuts/seeds (60g) into a coarse crumb. Add the maple syrup (100ml), nut/seed butter (120g), coconut oil (2 tbsp), vanilla (1 tsp), chia seeds (1 tbsp) and a pinch of sea salt. If the mixture feels too dry, add a splash of plant milk.
Press into a tin:
Line a loaf tin or small tray (approx. 20 × 20cm) with baking parchment. Press the flapjack mixture evenly into the tin using the back of a spoon or damp fingers.
Optional chocolate topping:
Melt the dark chocolate (200g) with the coconut oil (1 tsp). Pour over the flapjack base and smooth the surface. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt or crushed nuts/seeds if desired.
Chill and slice:
Place in the fridge for 1 hour (or freezer for 20 minutes) until firm. Slice into bars or squares.
Variations
Nut-free: Use sunflower butter or tahini.
Protein boost: Add a scoop of plant protein powder or a handful of crushed pumpkin seeds.
Festive twist: Mix in chopped dried figs, cranberries, or orange zest.