Jaffa cakes

If you are a fan of jaffa cakes, you have to make these. They are spot on and yes, definitely better - but what isn't better home made? I have added a slight twist to the standard jaffa cake and came up with lemon jaffa cakes! But don't worry, if lemon doesn't appeal, I have also included the usual orange version!

Lemon and poppy seed loaf

Lemon always make me think of summer. I guess it is the citrus taste and lovely yellow making me dream of beautiful sunny days. This loaf is so light and fluffy with the lovely citric flavour coming through whilst not being too sharp, and the poppy seeds adding a slight crunch. I know this is a popular flavour of cake to make, and I can see why. These two ingredients really do work well together and compliment each other perfectly. And what's better is that it's a super easy recipe too.

Beetroot hummus

Adding beetroot to your hummus not only turns it this fantastic pink colour, but it also gives the hummus a slightly different flavour. It's also a tasty way to get some beetroot into you diet, without it's taste being overpowering. The type of beetroot most people will be familiar with and enjoy is the stuff you buy from supermarkets in jars. What most people do not realise is that this has been cooked and pickled! When you buy beetroot in vacuum packed form or in a plastic container found in the salad aisle, this is cooked. Beetroot is actually a root vegetable (hence the name beetroot...) and when purchased in it's raw form will usually still have it's root and leaves attached (which can also be eaten). Beetroot is known to improve blood flow and lower blood pressure.

Superfoods: Maca / Raw energy balls

Maca is a root vegetable and belongs to the radish family. It is native to the high Andes of Peru and is commonly known as Peruvian Gingseng. The health benefits of maca have been long valued in Peru, and historically maca was even regarded as 'the food of the gods' by the Incas, one of the oldest civilizations on earth.

Crispy duck salad

This salad is so full of flavour that you won't realise you are eating a salad. I know that sounds silly, but if you are not a huge salad eater and find it a struggle to get through a salad, then I promise you won't with this one. There are so many different flavours and textures in this, you won't get bored after a couple of mouthfuls. It is also super easy to make despite the amount of ingredients, but the duck does take a long time to cook so make sure you start well before your belly starts rumbling! The best way I would describe this dish is a salad version of crispy duck pancakes!

Soup series 5: Green veggie with homemade croutons

The fifth soup in my six soup series is here! A beautiful green soup, which with every mouthful you just know it is doing your body good. It has that taste which screams healthy and goodness, as well as being bright green! Perfect for a health kick, if you are feeling run down, or as part of a healthy diet! This recipe serves 4 but it keeps well in the fridge so is perfect for taking to work for lunch!

Giant half baked cookie

This recipe is absolutely heavenly. I was actually aiming to recreate the cookie dough dessert that Pizza Hut do. If you haven't had it before, it is a big cookie that is half baked and is all gooey inside. I haven't had one in years and years as I never go there anymore, but I had a weird craving for one the other day so I got in the kitchen and attempted making it. I must say, I was so pleased with the result, it turned out much better than expected so I had to share it with you guys. It will leave your sweet tooth satisfied for sure.

Breaded mushrooms with garlic mayo

These breaded mushrooms make the perfect starter. We all know mushrooms are not very filling and are light, which is exactly what you want in a starter. I could easily eat a big plate of these to myself, and the garlic mayo is a great added kick of flavour. An alternative way to cook these is to deep fat fry them, but I will be cooking mine in the oven to make them a tad healthier.