I Ditched Dieting And Started Eating Cake For Breakfast – And I’ve Never
My name is Peta and I do not have a problem – promise.
5 Breakfast Smoothies To Get You Through The Morning
I never understood people who say they aren’t hungry in the morning and that’s why they ditch breakfast. It’s been about 12 hours since your last meal! How can you not be hungry?
RELATED: Slimming Smoothie Recipe
As you can probably tell, I like breakfast. In contrast to the breakfast-skippers, I feel the need to fuel my body with food before starting my day. However, I do like saving some time in the morning, which is why breakfast smoothies are a great and quick option.
It’s important to choose ingredients that will not only give your body lots of energy, but also keep you feeling somewhat full until lunch comes around. The two main nutrients your smoothie needs in order to be filling are fibre and protein.
These five smoothie recipes are yummy, rich, and will satisfy your hunger in the morning. Feel free to add protein powder or superfoods like spirulina to any of them for that extra health kick. Simply blend all ingredients until you achieve a smooth texture and enjoy!
Cashew Kick: 1 handful of cashews, 1 frozen banana, 1 cup skim milk, 2 pitted dates.
Chia Berry Boost: 1 cup frozen mixed berries, 1/2 cup unsweetened pomegranate juice, 1/2 cup water, 1/2 tbsp chia seeds.
Apple & Oats Smoothie: 2 small apples (peeled, cored, cubed), 1/2 cup rolled oats, 1 1/2 cup almond milk, 1 tsp honey or agave, 1/4 tsp cinnamon.
Green Cocoa Smoothie: 1/2 cup kale, 2 dates, 1 small frozen banana, 3 ice cubes, 1 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 cup coconut milk.
Peanut Butter Bliss: 1/2 cup low fat milk, 1/2 cup Greek yoghurt, 1/2 cup soaked oats, 1 tbsp organic peanut butter, 1 frozen banana, 1 tbsp hemp seeds, 1 tsp vanilla extract.
Image via zomt.com.au
5 Breakfast Ideas To Boost Weight Loss
Looking to make some healthier changes in your diet this summer? Rather than skipping breakfast and choosing meals which won’t sustain your body for the day, we have compiled a list of five options that will promote weight loss and keep you feeling fuller for longer.
RELATED: 5 Valentine’s Day Breakfast Ideas
Poached eggs
While the eggs themselves might feel difficult to poach at first, this is actually a quick and easy breakfast everyone can enjoy. Stick to wholemeal or multi-grain bread which is packed with added nutrients to keep you going throughout the day.
Oatmeal
A bowl of oatmeal with a few sliced vegetables and low-fat milk is another great breakfast option that won’t have you binge-eating by the early afternoon. The oats help to fill your stomach without feeling too bloated, also.
Chia pudding
Choose a healthy chia pudding which is loaded with fibre, omega 3 and protein to provide your body with energy all morning. Sprinkle a few pomegranate seeds over the top to naturally sweeten the meal.
Green smoothie
A green smoothie might seem like an obvious choice, but it’s packed full of vitamins and minerals which are so good for you! Be careful with your portions since this might actually cause weight gain.
Smoked salmon and avocado
Not only is smoked salmon easy to prepare (it’s mostly pre-cooked) but it’s so good for you! The protein will keep your body full and will give enough energy to last all day long.
Images via World Lifestyle, BuzzFeed, Popsugar Fitness, Pinterest, Love This Pic, A Simple Pantry
5 Healthy Summer Breakfast Ideas
Embrace the warmer weather and make sure your breakfast is packed with seasonal fruit and vegetables this summer. Stuck on ideas? Try some of our favourite healthy summer breakfast dishes below, which are quick and easy to create if you’re in a hurry!
RELATED: Low Fast English Breakfast Recipe
Acai bowls
These healthy breakfast options are packed with fibre, vitamins, and are so yummy! Add some of your favourite fruits such as banana, strawberry, blueberry, kiwi fruit, and grains to give the bowl added texture.
Parfait jar
Create this stunning parfait the night before and layer yoghurt, fruit, and crunchy grains to create a delicious meal for the morning.
Fruit yoghurt popsicles
This is the perfect recipe for kids who are more than picky eaters! Create your own fruity popsicles with delicious berries which everyone is bound to enjoy during the summer.
Smoothie
A healthy fruit smoothie is the perfect way to feed your stomach first thing in the morning. Add a handful of berries to give even those sour vegetables a fruity taste.
Quinoa bowls
For more of a filling meal, opt for quinoa which works well with milk and coconut water. Drizzle some sliced fruit and honey over the top for extra flavour.
Images via Peanut Butter and Peppers, Pinterest, Serge The Concierge, Babble, Skinny Taste, Dessert For Two
Breakfast Staples: The Perfect Bircher Muesli Recipe
Breakfast is my favourite meal of the day. There are so many breakfast foods that are absolutely delicious and guarantee a good start in the day, one of them being Bircher muesli.
Bircher muesli has become a classic breakfast recipe and a staple in every reputable cafe. It was invented by Swiss physician Maximilian Bircher-Benner at the start of the 20th century; he wanted to create a healthy breakfast that included fruits for his patients in Zurich.
RELATED: Easy Paleo Breakfast Recipes
Throughout the past 100 years, the recipe has been copied, altered, and honed worldwide, but the basic ingredients stay the same: Oats, nuts, apples, and milk or yoghurt. There is no cooking involved and it’s incredibly quick to prepare.
There are many ways to make Bircher muesli and different tastes require different ingredients, but I think the following is a winner:
Ingredients
2 cups rolled oats
25 grams of almonds, chopped
1 1/2 cups Greek yoghurt
1/2 cup apple juice
1 big apple, grated
Method
- Mix the rolled oats and almonds with 1 1/2 cups of natural Greek yoghurt and apple juice and let soak overnight. Depending on how mushy you like your muesli to be you can adjust the amount of yoghurt and apple juice you use.
- Add grated apple to mixture and sprinkle with honey for sweetness.
- Add any (dried) fruit or nuts you like. A bit of cinnamon works well, too.
This recipe is so easy to make and the best thing is that you can prepare everything the night before, then in the morning all you have to do is mix it, put it in a jar and it will easily last a few days in the fridge. Your healthy breakfast for this week is sorted! Enjoy hitting the snooze button on your alarm one more time.
image via davidlatta.files.wordpress.com
Cherry Tomato, Ham and Egg Frittata
This egg frittata is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or let’s face it – any time of the day! Make sure you’re using a variety of red and orange cherry tomatoes since they are absolutely packed with flavour. Serve with freshly squeezed orange juice for breakfast, or a cheeky mimosa with brunch.
RELATED: Oven-Roasted Roots Frittata Recipe
Serves 4
Ingredients
4 eggs
100g cherry tomatoes
4 slices of ham (or prosciutto)
100g ricotta cheese
Salt and pepper
Method
- Preheat the oven to 200ºC (400ºF).
- In a bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth. Add salt and pepper to season.
- Line a pan with baking paper (or canola spray), then empty the mixture into the pan. Chop the cherry tomatoes and place them over the top, then sprinkle with ricotta cheese and ham slices. Cook for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Image via Canelle Vanille
The Secret To Perfect Breakfast Porridge
Porridge might be one of the most underrated breakfasts ever. Not only is it delicious and filling, but it’s also high in fibre and protein, which makes it ideal for starting the day right.
I have to confess that I usually opt for quick oats prepared in the microwave, but whenever I have a bit more time in the morning, I make sure to prepare the perfect breakfast porridge, which is a million times better than your quick oat sachets. Here’s how it’s done:
RELATED: 3 Winter Breakfast Recipes
The first important thing is to get the right oats. Rolled oats take longer to cook than quick oats as the grains are not as thin, however the texture of your porridge will be much better with rolled oats. If time is an issue for you, simply soak the oats in water overnight. This will make them cook within 5 minutes.
Use 1/2 cup of oats per person and 3 times the amount of water, so for one person, you would need 1 1/2 cups of water. Bring oats and water mixture to a boil in a pan or pot and then turn down to simmer, all while stirring with the “wrong” end of a wooden spoon. Keep stirring for 5 to 15 minutes, depending on the creaminess and texture you like.
Now here comes the secret: salt. Add a pinch of salt to your oats and you’ll be surprised how much more flavour you’ll get from whatever you add to your oats. This could be fruits, peanut butter, cinnamon, nuts – the possibilities are endless!
During cooking, you might have to add some more water if your porridge gets too thick. Remember that it will thicken even after you have turned off the stove so if it’s a bit runny while still hot, it should be perfect once cooled down.
Serve in a bowl and add a splash of milk and whatever topping you feel like. Enjoy your perfect breakfast porridge!
image via the-nutritionista.co.uk
Fresh Ricotta and Blueberry Ciabatta Recipe
Who doesn’t love a fresh punnet of blueberries on a lazy Sunday morning?
This recipe takes tasty ricotta cheese, crunchy ciabatta bread and a handful of blueberries to the next level. You could also substitute them for fresh strawberries or raspberries. Or both!
RELATED: Healthy Blueberry Pancake Recipe
Ingredients
1 large oval ciabatta loaf
500g ricotta cheese
1 cup fresh blueberries
Honey
Mint leaves
Method
- Slice the ciabatta into 4 slices, and grill on both sides until golden brown.
- If you want to make the bread extra infused, grill it with the ricotta over the top. If not, spread it generously after it’s cooled down.
- Top off with blueberries, mint, and drizzled honey for extra flavour. Yum!
Image via Heather Bullard
Cheese and Ham Brunch Croissants
These tasty croissants are a brunch staple, however taste incredible at any time of the day. Try and use a few different combinations of your favourite ham, cheese, or even prosciutto for a quick and easy meal which is super-filling.
RELATED: Make French Croissants From Scratch
Serves 2
Ingredients
2 large croissants
2 tbsp butter
2 slices ham
50g cheese
Method
- Preheat your oven to 200ºC (400ºF). Slice the croissants down the middle and spread each side with butter.
- Place a thin piece of ham on each side of the croissant, then follow with the cheese. Close the croissant, then wrap with aluminium foil for extra crunch.
- Cook for 7-10 minutes or until golden brown. Serve with fresh lettuce, sliced tomatoes, and cucumber.
Image via The Gunny Sack
Pear and Honey Pancakes
Indulge in these delicious fruity pancakes the next time you want to treat the entire family to a homemade breakfast. The recipe takes just 10 minutes to prepare and 40 minutes to cook, so make sure you have the drinks and other condiments on hand before dining!
RELATED: Healthy Blueberry Pancake Recipe
Serves 4
Ingredients
250g plain white flour
2 tsp baking powder
2 eggs
300ml full cream milk
2 ripe pears (sliced)
4 tbsp honey
Instructions
- Combine the flour and baking powder into a bowl, then make a well in the middle.
- Next, crack the eggs, add the milk, then stir with a wooden spoon.
- Melt the butter in the microwave for 10 seconds, then add it into the bowl.
- Heat up a pan, then add small drops of the mixture at a time. Cook on both sides until golden brown, then serve.
- Layer the pancakes with sliced pear, honey, yoghurt and a side of fresh juice for the family.
Image via Mitzy
Mother’s Day Eats: Chorizo, Tomato and Feta Omelette Recipe
Nothing says “I love you” more than going that extra mile, so in the lead up to Mother’s Day this Sunday, we’re providing you with some of the most delicious recipes to spoil hers truly with.
RELATED: Low-Fat English Breakfast Recipe
Any recipe that combines chorizo and feta is sure to be a taste sensation. So why not create the perfect brunch or late breakfast for Mum with this protein packed egg omelette? Serve with with sourdough toast and fresh juice for the ultimate dish.
Serves 2
Ingredients
1 tbsp oil
1 small onion, sliced
1 chorizo sausage, diced
150 cherry tomatoes
1/2 cup basil leaves, torn
1/2 cup parsley, chopped
100g Persian feta, crumbled
6 eggs
Extra virgin olive oil to drizzle
1/2 lemon, juice
Method
- Preheat your grill, so it’s nice and hot.
- Heat the oil in a 20cm non-stick fry pan. Add the onion, fry gently for 3 minutes until soft.
- Add cubed chorizo (the chorizo will sizzle, releasing spices and oils).
- Add the tomatoes and basil, cook for another 1 minute. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Mix the eggs together with a fork, season.
- Return the pan to the heat, when hot, pour in the beaten egg. Swirl the egg mix with the fork for 30 seconds, then scatter in the chorizo mix along with the cheese and parsley.
- Place the pan under the grill, until the omelette is golden brown.
- To serve, add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and squeeze of lemon.
Recipe via Eggs Australia
Is Your Breakfast Making You Fat?
Breakfast is said to be the most important meal of the day. It’s also been widely reported that people who eat breakfast are more likely to be at their ideal weight, as opposed to those who skip it. But sometimes when you think you’re doing the right thing by eating first thing in the morning, you’re actually doing the wrong thing because of the foods you’re consuming. So what are the most commonly mistaken ‘healthy’ foods and how are they making you fat?
RELATED: Why Detox Diets Are Dodgy And Don’t Work
Cereal
Nutritionists say that cereal has no nutritional value whatsoever, contrary to the belief. Most breakfast cereals are overly processed, loaded with sugar and are high GI, meaning you’re more likely to be hungry sooner rather than later. Also, because the recommended serving size is so small, you’re likely to over-eat and consume more calories.
If eliminating cereal from your diet is out of the question, opt for something that’s high-fibre and low-sugar like a bran. You could also try making your own cereal or muesli by combining oats, seeds and nuts and sweetening it with a small amount of honey.
Fruit Juice
Just like with cereal, we can be led to believe that a glass of fruit juice is nutritious. And while it does have a small amount of antioxidants and nutrients, it contains nearly as much sugar as a soft-drink. A better option would be to freshly squeeze your own juice using real fruit, or ideally, opt for a green juice with some spinach and kale.
Bagels
There’s no denying that a bagel with lashings of cream cheese is delicious, but it’s not going to do your waistline any favours in the long run. Most bagels are equivalent to around five pieces of bread, and that’s not including the topping! Instead, opt for rye or wholemeal bread with a high protein topping like tuna, eggs or salmon. Not only will it keep you feeling fuller for longer, it will keep any unwanted calories at bay.
Yoghurt
Yoghurt is a great source of calcium, protein and contains good bacteria, but don’t be fooled – some yoghurts are full of sugar and high in calories. Some low fat options actually incorporate more sugar into their ingredients, so always be sure to check the back of the label. Natural yoghurt is a great alternative as it contains minimal sugar and has maximum benefits, otherwise goat or coconut yoghurt is a great swap, too.
Image via forosperu.net
Healthy Blueberry Pancake Recipe
Not all pancakes are bad, right? Well, our favourite pancake recipe for a lazy Sunday morning breakfast is super healthy, takes just 10 minutes to create from scratch, and tastes absolutely delicious! Serve with a warm green or chamomile tea for a super-relaxing day off.
RELATED: Blueberry and Yoghurt Breakfast Bars
Ingredients
6 tbsp blueberries
2 tbsp butter
250g flour
2 tsp baking powder
300ml full cream milk
2 eggs
100ml maple syrup (optional)
Method
- Combine the flour and baking powder into a large bowl.
- Add the milk and eggs, making to sure to mix well between each ingredient.
- Melt the butter over a warm frying pan or in the microwave for 5 seconds, then add it into the mixture. Stir well.
- On another pan, add one tablespoon of the batter and flatten it out. Cook on both sides until golden brown.
- Serve with a side of blueberries, or add them into the batter before cooking on the stove. Add some maple syrup over the top for extra flavour.
Image via Inspiring The Everyday
Is Technology Taking The ‘Good’ Out Of Your Mornings?
YES, technology is draining Australians of the ‘good’ in their mornings according to new research that found almost two thirds of Australians (62 per cent) turn to their smartphone instead of their partner or kids when they first wake up, with just a miserable 15 per cent starting their day giving their partner a good morning kiss. Instead, 42 per cent check their phone for messages and emails first thing after waking; while one in six catch up on their social media profiles.
The Galaxy research commissioned by Uncle Tobys also found that only one in 10 Australians manage to find the time to sit down to breakfast with their family, while 55 per cent don’t even manage to get breakfast at all in the morning. Tech addicts are twice as likely to skip breakfast in favour of their smartphone, with half of Aussies (52 per cent) admitting their tech time means they run out of time for the most important meal of the day.
Checking and sending emails (27 per cent), browsing the internet (27 per cent) and posting, liking and commenting on social media (23 per cent) were the biggest culprits. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the research revealed that Gen Y (62 per cent) are the most likely to run out of time for breakfast because of their technology habits but half of Gen X-ers (50 per cent) and two in five Baby Boomers (41 per cent) are just as bad.
Dietitian Geraldine Georgeou says:
“Somehow we’ve let technology steal our good mornings – it’s shocking that so many Aussies would rather spend the first hours of their day on their phone rather than with their loved ones. That more than half of Australians are missing breakfast as a result of this technology takeover is a real worry, particularly because most of the time it’s quicker to prepare a healthy breakfast than type a text message.”
It’s not just time with our loved ones but it’s our health and wellbeing that are suffering, too. These finding come despite Aussies knowing better, with more than half of Australians suffering negative consequences as a result of skipping breakfast. The research found that missing the morning meal has implications for the rest of the day with as many as 57 per cent of Australians struggling after skipping breakfast. This includes low energy levels (39 per cent), tiredness (28 per cent), nausea (19 per cent), difficulty concentrating (17 per cent) or getting annoyed with colleagues or friends (16 per cent).
Geraldine adds:
“Many Aussies think they’re being productive by getting a jump-start on their emails first thing in the morning, but it’s a case of one step forward and two steps back. As the day progresses they’ll find their productivity suffers as a result of having low energy levels and poor concentration associated with rushing out the door and skipping breakfast.
A quick bowl of Uncle Tobys cereal gives you the energy and nutrients you need to enjoy the rest of your day. Uncle Toby’s range of 4+ Star cereals offer a nutritious blend of whole grains, nuts and fruits to make it easy to have a good morning.”
5 Valentine’s Day Breakfast Ideas
With Valentine’s Day just a few sleeps away, indulge your partner in a themed breakfast or even brunch recipe.
Our guide gives you quick and easy ways to create a delicious meal which is perfect if you haven’t decided to exchange gifts this year. A few heart-shaped pancakes never did anyone harm, right?
RELATED: Fluffy Pancake Recipe
Pink cinnamon scrolls
Just about the perfect scrolls you will ever have, and the best part – they’re pink! Use white and pink icing sugar to create a sweet texture which will won’t last until midday. We warned you!
French toast
Who doesn’t love French toast, nutella and love hearts? Use a cookie mould to shape your french toast before baking in the oven or over a hot pan. Strawberries and nutella are an extra treat which count as a cheat meal, right?
Red velvet pancakes
Possibly one of the best ideas we’ve ever seen. Take a conventional red velvet recipe and alter it to create some yummy cupcakes. The cream-cheese icing makes for the finishing touch to a sweet breakfast recipe.
Pink hot chocolate
Simply sprinkle pink and red icing sugar with cream over the top of your usual hot chocolate. Yum!
Bacon hearts
For the true bacon lovers, take a single rasher of bacon and curve the ends into a heart shape. Grill or bake until crispy, and serve with a poached egg and avocado.
Those are just a few of our favourite breakfast ideas for Valentine’s Day. Comment below with some of your must-haves!
Images via House Hunt, Rachel Schultz, Simply Kierste, Recipe By Photo, Love From The Oven, Something Swanky
Simon Ward’s Healthy Quinoa Bircher Muesli Recipe
If you’re looking for a healthy quinoa bircher muesli that tastes great and fits with your post-holiday meal plan, Simon Ward, Executive Chef at Hammer and Tong, has created a recipe that’s packed with superfood goodness. With a mix of quinoa, oats, goji berries and coconut, this wholesome meal is the perfect way to kick-start your Monday and keep those energy levels high.
RELATED: Homemade Muesli Bars Recipe
Serves 4
Ingredients
2 cups Rolled oats
1⁄2 cup Red quinoa
1⁄2 cup Black quinoa
1⁄4 cup golden raisins
1⁄4 cup goji berries
1⁄4 cup dried cranberries
1⁄4 cup currants
1⁄4 cup shredded coconut
1⁄4 cup slivered almonds
3 1⁄2 tblsp coconut sugar
Pinch ground cinnamon
Pinch ground nutmeg
1 3⁄4 cup Apple juice
1 1⁄2 cup coconut milk
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all of the dry ingredients except for the coconut sugar.
- In a small bowl, combine the wet ingredients and coconut sugar. Use a whisk to ensure there are no lumps of sugar, and that it is fully dissolved in the liquid.
- Combine all together, mixing to ensure that there are no areas of dry ingredients separate from wet ingredients. This should resemble a textured wet cake mix.
- Cover with a cartouche and leave to absorb in the fridge overnight – this will stop a crust forming on the top from air drying it out. A cartouche can be made from either using baking paper or glad wrap touching the top of the mixture. The difference in the mixture once it is ready will be visual. You should be able to tell that all of the fruits and oats have absorbed the liquid of which there will not be a huge excess.
- Serve bircher muesli with fresh natural yogurt and some berry compote (a nice reduced sauce of mixed berries and a small amount of sugar).
Wild Mushroom Omelette Recipe
Start your morning the right way with a healthy wild mushroom omelette which is sure to keep you full until lunch time.
Our recipe takes about 5 minutes to prepare, and will leave you with lots of time to get ready for work afterwards!
RELATED: Baked Eggs in Tomatoes Recipe
Ingredients
2 cups mushrooms
3 eggs
2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp chopped chives
Salt and peper to season
Method
- Wash and slice the mushrooms into small, bite-sized pieces.
- Heat a pan over medium heat, and add the butter until it begins to sauté. Add the mushrooms into the pan, and cook for approximately 10 minutes, or until they begin to melt. Season with salt and pepper.
- Break the eggs into a small bowl, and whisk until the yolks have combined. Transfer this into another non-stick pan. Cook on both sides until the egg looks golden-brown. Then fold and transfer onto a plate.
- Pour the mushrooms over the omelette, and season with salt, pepper and chives.
Image via Cooking Insens
Janelle Bloom’s Breakfast Mushrooms Recipe
Mushrooms are great at any time of the day but after this meal, you’ll be wanting mushies for breakfast everyday.
Preparation time 15 mins
Cooking time 35 mins
Serves 4
Ingredients
1/2 cup SunRice Brown rice, rinsed
1 cup water
1 tbsp olive oil
1 brown onion, finely chopped
2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground coriander
1 lemon, rind finely grated, quartered
2 tsp fresh thyme leaves
4 (medium-large) flat mushrooms, stems removed
60g soft marinated feta
4 free range eggs
Lemon wedges, thyme & toasted grain bread, to serve, optional
Method
- Preheat oven 200°C fan forced. Put the rice and water in a medium saucepan. Bring to the boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 25 minutes. Remove from heat and stand covered for 10 minutes. Rinse then drain well.
- Meanwhile, heat oil in a small frying pan over medium heat. Add the onion, sauté 3-4 minutes until soft. Add the spices and cook 1 minute until aromatic. Stir into the rice with the lemon rind and thyme.
- Put mushrooms into a greased roasting pan. Divide the rice mixture amongst the mushrooms. Bake 10-15 minutes or until mushrooms are tender. Remove from the oven and crumble over the feta.
- Meanwhile, to poach eggs, almost fill a deep frying pan with water. Bring to simmer. Stir the water to create a gentle whirlpool. Crack 1 egg into a small ramekin then slowly tip the egg into the water and stir gently to continue the whirlpool effect. Repeat with remaining eggs. Cook for 11/2- 2 minutes, use a slotted spoon to remove the egg to a tray lined with paper towel.
Tip: Put 1 egg on the top of each mushroom, season and serve with lemon wedges, extra thyme and toast.
Apple and Tahini Toast Recipe
Enjoy a delicious breakfast packed with natural fibre and sesame seeds as an essential way to start your day. If you wanted to make this even sweeter, drizzle some raw honey over the top for some extra flavour – yum!
RELATED: Mediterranean Baked Sweet Potato Recipe
Ingredients
4 slices wholemeal bread
1 apple (cored and thinly sliced)
2 tablespoons organic tahini (or you can make it yourself)
2 tablespoons raw honey
Fresh thyme
Sea salt (optional)
Instructions
1. Toast your bread, and let it cool down on a rack. If you want the bread to be extra crunchy, pop it into the grill for 10 minutes at 180ºC.
2. Spread a thin layer of tahini on each slice of bread. Arrange the apple slices, drizzle with honey, then finish with some fresh thyme and optional sea salt for a tangy taste.
Image and Recipe via Tasty Yummies
How To Make Perfect Poached Eggs
We’ve all experienced it before, right? A delicious poached egg made by a friend or from your local café is one thing, but creating your own is more like a disaster. The egg is too runny, over-cooked, or simply doesn’t resemble a poached egg at all! Below are just a few tips to create the perfect poached egg without losing your sanity!
RELATED: Creamy Mushroom Soup With Poached Egg
Method 1: Vinegar
- Use a large, deep saucepan, the bigger the better – and combine a generous serving of vinegar with 2 litres of water.
- Bring the water to a boil by cooking it on a high, then reduce back down to a medium as the pot is boiling hot.
- Crack one egg into a tiny cup or bowl making sure to remove any remnants of the shell with a spoon or fork (be careful not to burst the yolk!). Then carefully transfer the egg into the simmering water, try and get as close to the water as possible.
- Then, all you need to do is let the egg simmer for about 3 minutes before removing with a ladel.
Method 2: Without vinegar
- Bring a saucepan of water to a boil, this could take anywhere between 5-10 minutes.
- Pierce a hole into the egg with a pin or safety pin, then completely submerge into the boiling water for 10 seconds. Remove the egg with a spoon, then set aside.
- Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer, and crack the egg into the water. Remove any cracked shells with a spoon!
- Leave egg to cook for 2-3 minutes and remove with a ladle and remove excess water with a paper towel.
Method 3: Microwave
- Fill a small cup with a splash of water, then crack into the water a raw egg. It should sit on top of the water.
- Pierce the yolk slowing with a fork, this will prevent the egg from opening and exploding.
- Microwave for 30-60 seconds depending on the power of your microwave. Put a thin paper towel or a saucer over the top of the cup to keep it all together.
- When you’re done, just simply flip the saucer over!
Image via The Coveteur
Open-Faced Smoked Salmon Sandwiches
A breakfast sandwich? This delicious meal might bring negative connotations such as high in sugar, high in fat, and even worse: packed with preservatives. Create this healthy alternative which boasts protein, good fats, and even tastes great as a lunch or dinner meal!
RELATED: Why Salmon Is Better Than Botox
Ingredients
Thinly sliced rye bread
Butter at room temperature
Dilled mayonnaise
Salt and black pepper
Thin slices of smoked salmon
Microgreens
Edible flowers
Lemon for garnish
Method
- Set your oven to 400ºF (200ºC) and line a tray with baking paper.
- Cut the bread into small rectangles or triangles (whatever you prefer). If you like your bread a little crisp, pop it into the toaster or oven for just a few seconds.
- Spread some dilled mayonnaise onto each slice of bread, then top off with a slice of smoked salmon.
- Add your greens and make sure to season with sea salt and fresh black pepper. Garnish with an edible flowers for presentation, and serve with a wedge of lemon to bring out the flavour in the salmon.
Image and Recipe via The View From Great Island
