STRAWBERRY SMOOTHIE

This is one of my favourite smoothies as it's so quick and simple to make. It works as a sweet snack or a light breakfast and as I generally have bananas and strawberries in stock it's something I make on a regular basis.

I've really been getting into flaxseed at the moment and have been adding it to all my cereals and smoothies. Adding flaxseed gives you an extra intake of; fibre, omega-3 and supposedly even promotes weight loss. 

Ingredients (Serves 2):

- 2 frozen bananas

- 1/2 punnet of frozen strawberries

- 5 cups of almond milk

- 2 tbsp of flaxseed meal

- Squirt of agave syrup

Instructions:

Blend on high till the frozen fruit becomes a liquid consistency. I like my smoothies ice-cold but you can always use fresh fruit instead, or simply add in ice if you don't have any pre-frozen fruit to hand.

The perfect healthy ice cold Summery treat.

EASY ENERGY PORRIDGE

This has been my basic go-to porridge recipe for quite some time now and I can't believe I haven't shared it with you guys sooner. It's just one of those staple things you make all the time that you never really think about being 'special' - oh but it is! This porridge is easy to make and full of goodness. 

Oats are high in complex carbohydrates and soluble fibre, meaning they release energy slowly so you’ll stay full until lunchtime. It also contains flaxseed (rich in fibre and Omega-3), along with super nutrient packed chia seeds. What a way to start the day! I always feel fantastic after a helping of this, it literally sets me up for the day.

Ingredients (Serves 1):

- 40g gluten free oats

- 1 tbsp flaxseed meal

- 2 tbsp chia seeds

- 200ml almond milk

Optional topping:

Fruit and nut butter of choice. My favourite combo has to be coconut sugar, raspberries and almond butter.

Instructions:

1.) Place the oats in a saucepan and pour in the almond milk. Next add the chia seeds and flaxseed meal to the pan.

2.) Stir then warm through on a high then medium heat for around 5mins, or until chia seeds have softened. 

FRUITS OF THE FOREST BAKED OATMEAL

Oats, oatmeal, porridge - it doesn't matter what you call it, this breakfast is for everyone because it's basically like eating cake (alright healthy cake) for breakfast. Ok so you don't like berries, add tropical fruit if you don't like fruit add pb and chocolate, it's entirely up to you - just make sure you bake it! This adds an entirely new dimension to oats and I absolutely love it.

Ingredients:

- 12tbsp oats
- 2 mashed bananas
- 100g frozen berries
- 1.5 tsp baking powder (I like to use Doves Farm Organic)
- Tbsp chia seeds
- Tbsp flaxseed
- 1.5 cups of almond milk
- Tsp vanilla
- Tbsp agave syrup
- Handful of berries for topping (frozen or fresh)
- 2 tbsp almond butter for topping
- Casserole/oven proof baking dish

Instructions:

1.) Preheat oven to 200c (fan assisted ovens).
2.) Put all the ingredients listed into an oven proof crockery dish, minus the toppings. Mix together with a wooden spoon.
3.) Bake for around 20-25mins until the top is slightly golden and crispy but the middle is soft.

This to me says Winter in a bowl. It's one of those extra special breakfasts that can be shared with family over the holidays or the weekend when you have a bit of extra time to spare. Baking it in a casserole dish adds to the homely, rustic feel of this dish that instantly transports you to a cosy country farmhouse!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all my readers! I still have lots of festive recipes to share with you guys so keep popping back over the Holidays!