Guacamole

I make this often.  Lately I have been making it for my daughter for afternoon tea.  She loves it and it is so very simple.  Avocados are one of the very best foods we can eat, containing many beneficial nutrients. This guacamole is a great way to use up any avocados you may have that are slightly overripe. We use lots of raw vegetables as the dippers, it is such a great way to consume a lot of vegetables in an incredibly tasty way.   Sometimes we will eat it with some organic corn chips too. Here is my very simple version:

Guacamole

Ingredients
1 large avocado
1/2 clove fresh garlic, very finely chopped
lemon or lime juice to taste
salt and pepper and pepper to taste

Method
1. Cut the avocado in half.  Scoop out the flesh into a bowl.
2.Roughly mash with a fork.
3.Add the garlic, lemon or lime juice and salt and pepper.
4.Mix together and Enjoy!

**I like to add some fresh or dried chilli for added spice.  You could also add some very finely diced onion, coriander and tomato.  I keep it simple as that is how my daughter likes it.

**It doesn't keep very well so best eaten on the day it is made.

Many dips we buy in the supermarket are expensive, have added ingredients to preserve their shelf life and are packaged in plastic.

This dip can be made in around 5 minutes.  It is perfect to make if you are having people around, as it is low cost, delicious and healthy.  It has no artificial ingredients or preservatives.  Children love it too.  I hope you try it, I am sure you won't be disappointed.

Snickers Bliss Balls

This recipe is made frequently here, so I thought it would be a lovely one to share with you.  A wholefood version of the Snickers Bar, so it doesn't contain anything you wouldn't recognise.  It is high protein so it is a great afternoon treat, that will keep you full until dinner time.  Everyone loves them, they are simple to make and they taste just like a Snickers! It is a win all round. 

Snickers Bliss Balls

Ingredients

• 1 cup dry roasted cashews
• 1/2 cup crushed peanut
• 6 tablespoons peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 3 tablespoons cacao powder or cocoa
• 1/2 teaspoon concentrated natural vanilla extract
• pinch of salt

Method

1. Place the cashews into your processor and pulse to roughly crush.  Pour them into a bowl with the crushed peanuts and set aside.
2. Place the peanut butter, honey, maple syrup, cacao, vanilla and salt into your processor and blend until the mixture is well combined. 
3. Add the nuts and mix to combine.
4. Shape the balls (wet hands work best to prevent them from sticking) and place into the fridge to set.
5. Eat and Enjoy!  (Best stored in the fridge)

Crushed peanuts and cashews

All mixed together

I hope you will give these a go.  They are refined sugar free and taste so delicious. I love to make them for friends and family who visit for morning or afternoon tea.  They are just delighted when they taste them and can taste the likeness to the Snickers Bar.  Often they are amazed at how such simple ingredients, can be transformed.  Sometimes I think we have forgotten that food doesn't have to be highly processed and come out of a packet to taste delicious.  Most of the time we can recreate our favourite foods in more healthy, simple and nutritious ways.

My favourite mug

I will often be found enjoying these in the afternoon with a hot cup of tea.  Before our afternoon routine begins, they give me chance to stop and reflect on the day.  I hope you get a chance to enjoy them too.