Healthy Flapjacks

Even though its no more like spring out there, its no harm to try and eat a little better by replacing some treats with healthier options!

Enter these flapjacks! Usually flapjacks are one of the boldest treats out they, even though they are often marketed as a healthy options most shop ones really are not, so beware! These on the other hand are healthy, they are so easy to make, and last for ages once stored in an air tight container, perfect with a cup of tea or as an on the go snack. I absolutely love them and make them the whole time, they are my go to snack to satisfy my sweet tooth

Enjoy! xx

Recipe

Ingredients:

- 1 cup of organic dates (soaked in hot water for 30mins)

- 1/2 cup of walnuts

- 1/2 cup of macadamia nuts

Slightly blend but leave chunky

Them add:

- 2 cups of oats

- 1 cup of ground almonds

- a handful of sunflower seeds (for garnish)

- 2 tsp of cinnamon

- 1/2 of coconut oil (melted)

- 1/4 cup of agave or honey (I used agave)

Method:

Mix all ingredients in a bowl and put in a shallow baking tray. Press it firmly and sprinkle sunflower seeds on top. Cook at 165 degrees for 25-30 minutes (until oats are golden)

Once cool allow them to set in fridge for 20mins (makes it much easier to cut into pieces) 

Pomegranate Cocktail

Aaaaand we're back! Disassemble Dublin took a slight hiatus over the last few months but we are delighted to announce we are back with a bang! and what better way to celebrate than with this recipe for gorgeous pomegranate cocktails (and just in time for Valentines) ! If you don't feel like splurging on a meal out this Valentines day then this cocktails recipe is a super easy way to celebrate your love on a night in.

Recipe (makes 2)  :

1 1/2 ounces of vodka
2 ounces of orange juice
2 ounces of pomegranate cocktail mixer (you can substitute pomegranate juice if needed)
A handful of pomegranate seeds (optional)
Squeeze of lemon
Sprig of mint to garnish
Ice

Method :

Combine ice, vodka and orange juice in a cocktail shaker and shake well until thoroughly mixed. Strain mixture into cocktail glasses. Gently poor the pomegranate mixture into the side of the glasses so it settles at the bottom (creating an ombré effect). Squeeze a lemon slice over the cocktails for a citrus kick and garnish with pomegranate seeds and a sprig of fresh mint! Last but not least....enjoy! Cocktail umbrella optional but strongly advised :-)

Paddy's Day Minty Brownies

To celebrate all things green for St.Patricks Day we decided to create some minty brownies with green buttercream icing (of course)! Now you don't have to go for the minty version if your not a fan, just use plan chocolate instead. They are very easy to make, and can be eaten on their own as an indulgent snack or with ice cream, you choose! They keep well for several days. For best results, use good quality dark chocolate, and take care with the baking time as a slightly undercooked brownie is the best sort. This recipe makes 12-16 brownies.

Louise xx

For the Brownies

300g dark chocolate (70%) I used one mint flavoured bar and 2 plain.

120g plain flour

20g of cocoa powder

1/2 teaspoon of baking powder

1/2 teaspoon of salt

4 eggs

250g of soft butter

300g of golden caster sugar

For the icing

Softened butter

icing sugar

green food colouring

Method 
1/ preheat oven to 180 degrees
2/ Break the chocolate into pieces and melt in a bowl over a saucepan of just boiled water.
3/ Sift the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt into a bowl. Crack the eggs into a separate bowl and whisk lightly with a fork.
4/Put the butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl, cream them together until they are pale and fluffy. Gradually add the beaten eggs.
5/Now add the melted chocolate, the sifted flour and other dry ingredients and fold in gently and thoroughly with a flexible spatula or large metal spoon, making sure there are no pale streaks. Be patient!
6/Spoon the mix into a greased tin and smooth the surface. Bake for 25minutes. They should be sticky and not dry and spongy.
7/ When done, leave to cool before icing them!

Enjoy :-)

Easy vegan pancakes with spiced apple topping

 

Pancake Tuesday is tomorrow everyone! So instead of doing the usual pancake recipe, I decided to try something slightly healthier with these Vegan pancakes. Now I wasn't sure what these would taste like and I don't have the best track record at making pancakes anyway, but to my surprise they weren't a complete disaster and are really yummy!:-) I topped mine with Greek yoghurt and spiced apple (recipe included below) in a bid to be healthy but whether you're a lemon and sugar or Nutella kinda girl they still taste just as good as traditional pancakes! So why not give them a go?! Happy pancake flipping!

Louise xx

Recipe

(makes about 6 small pancakes) 

1 cup white whole wheat flour 

1 & 1/4 cup soy milk (I used unsweetened almond milk)

2 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice

2 teaspoons sugar (optional)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

Measure out the soy milk and add the lemon juice. Set aside. (It will curdle like buttermilk and adds really nice flavor to the pancakes.) 

In a large bowl mix together the flour, sugar, baking powder and baking soda.

Heat a nonstick pan over medium heat.

Now add in the soy milk mixture and vanilla extra. Stir only until incorporated (you don't want to overmix batters.) I made my pancakes using about 2-3 Tablespoons of batter. 

Cook until the edges dry out slightly and the bottoms are golden brown (2-3 minutes for small pancakes.)

Flip and cook for an additional minute or two (until this side is lightly brown.) 

Spiced Apple Topping

3-4 apples 

1/2 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon fresh grated nutmeg 

2 Tablespoons water

Slice your apples really thin. 

Add to a nonstick pan that is set over medium high heat. 

Add in the water and spices.

Stir occasionally and cook until softened (mine took about 5 minutes to be slightly crisp yet soft.)

 I found this recipe on http://forealslife.com

Crafty Day at Dees!

The beautiful Dee is getting married so she needed to call in the troops for the upcoming nuptials for as she put it "The Wedding Craft Day Bonanza"! So we got a gang together, cracked open the bubbly and treats and got our craft on! These jars are for her centre pieces for the tables for both flowers and candles, but to be honest they could be used for absolutely anything, storing make-up brushes, pens and pencils, gift favours, sweets, etc....the list is pretty much endless! So that's why I decided to share these beautiful jars on the blog. They are very easy to make but the one thing I'd say is be prepared with your supplies, but once you have everything you need this is a great idea to get a gang of friends (crafty or not) together for a day of laughs and fun!:-)

Louise xx

Here is the list of what u'll need:

Materials:

Newspaper to cover tables/surfaces

Clean glass jars, every shape and size possible

Scissors

PVA glue (it dries clear on the glass)

Ribbons, twine, hessian, lace, straw, buttons (basically raid a haberdashery shop)

Paint brushes

Chalk paint, we used Annie Sloan chalk paint. This can be got in Rua in Dublin on Capel Street, or you can make your own, here's a link to a few different recipes that you could try: http://salvagedinspirations.com/best-homemade-chalk-paint-recipes/

Sand paper

AND THAT'S IT! Have Fun!:-) xx