Warm Spiced Cranberry Oatmeal

I love cranberries, they're high in vitamin C, and have antioxidant and antibacterial effects in the body.

I decided to make an oatmeal dish which is simply delicious. It's soft, gooey and sweet and will fulfil you up until lunch. When I have cranberries, I instantly think of nutmeg and Christmassy spices, so I decided to add these to the recipe. As you cook the oatmeal infused with spices, you can instantly smell that seasonal sensation which percolates around the house. The best thing about oatmeal is that it does mix well with so many things and being a peanut butter lover, why not dollop a teaspoon on top to satisfy your peanut craving?!

Serves 1

40g oatmeal

50ml (whole/semi skimmed) milk 

100ml water 

30g cranberries

 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1-2 teaspoons cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

pinch of salt 

Method

- Place all the ingredients into a pan and stir continuously for about 8 minutes until thick and sticky. If too thick, add another 50ml of water and stir.

- When it comes to the spices, I suggest you start with a little, taste and add more according to your level of satisfaction. I like to add enough to give it a kick which is not too overpowering. 

- Serve with a sprinkle of cranberries on top

Have a lovely day!

Green Mean Machine Smoothie

For me, this is the definition of healthy. As you taste it, you can feel the delicious goodness running through your body. So why is it so healthy? 

Kale – Rich in folate, vitamin C and K, calcium, iron, and beta-carotene. It’s also a hormone balancer, digestion booster, anti-inflammatory, and contains omega-3 fatty acids.

Cucumber - Prevents water retention, promotes a healthy digestive track, packed with bioavailable minerals, vitamins, and electrolytes.

Apple – Source of fibre and vitamin C, helps balance blood sugar levels, boosts digestion, reduces inflammation

Spinach - Low in calories and high in vitamins, spinach is one of the most nutrient-dense foods in existence.

Serves 1

1 handful of curly kale

1 handful of spinach

About 10 slices of cucumber

1 sliced eating apple 

200ml homemade apple juice

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Simply, put all the ingredients into a blender and whiz together. Pour into a glass and enjoy! 

Top tip: Pour into a jam jar for an smoothie on-the-go.