With a challenge to create a healthy Halloween inspired recipe using Lio Licious freeze-dried berries, I had so many ideas in my head for colourful, creative goodies to bake. I decided on simple but delicious spiced pumpkin muffins, topped with a frosting whipped with activated charcoal to create the natural black colour – and of […]
Author: spamellab
- MANCHESTER
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Vegetarian Dining at The Rabbit
Where do I start with dining at The Rabbit. For one, it’s definitely somewhere to go for a special occasion; something that bit more than ‘just’ going out for dinner. It’s an experience. The setting – sat above Manchester’s National Football Museum (the Urbis) – showcases the city’s stunning skyline through floor-to-ceiling glass windows, making […]
Vegan Chocolate Mousse
After watching Vegan Week on Great British Bake Off, where the contestants used aquafaba (aka chickpea water) in one of the challenges, I was inspired to try using the unusual, unassuming ingredient in a new recipe. Now, I’ll always wonder how and why on earth someone out there thought about using water drained from a […]
Blueberry & Vanilla Porridge Parfait
I love coming across new brands on social media and when Yum & Yay popped up on Instagram their colourful branding caught my eye. Showcasing a selection of milled seeds available in four varieties to help top up your daily intake of essential nutrients, I loved the sound of them and was excited to receive […]
Chocolate Peanut Butter Donuts
Big thanks to Meridian Foods for recently sending me their new Rich Roast peanut butter jars in smooth and crunchy: made using only blanched hi-oleic peanuts sourced from Argentina which have been roasted for longer to deliver a richer and more intense flavour than traditional peanut butters. And let me tell you, the peanut buttery-ness […]
- MANCHESTER
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Cocktails and Dinner at Shoryu Ramen
It’s been a long time coming to review Shoryu Ramen’s Manchester venue. With ‘top notch’ ramen, ‘moreish’ street food and ‘exciting’ sake cocktails on the menu, this spot has been on the eating out hit list for a while, so I was excited to find out how the Japanese restaurant would live up to expectations. […]
Autumn Chocolate Porridge Bowl
Who doesn’t love porridge? I mean, whatever age you are or flavours you like best, let’s be honest, you can’t beat a bowl of warming oats. Whether sweet or savoury, hot or cold, thick or runny, there are countless ways to serve the humble dish. Now we’re officially in October, I’m preparing for the autumnal […]
PB & J Brownies
Right guys – peanut butter lovers, I’m talking to you especially – I’m pretty excited about sharing this treat of a recipe with you in partnership with the wonderful Pic’s peanut butter once again! Imagine – gooey, dense, rich brownies topped with swirls of peanut butter and jam for extra taste and to totally wow […]
- MANCHESTER
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Brunching at 19 Cafe Bar
I’ve not been out for brunch in what seems like forever, so I was excited to be invited down to independent coffee shop and bar, 19 Cafe Bar, to review the menu. Bringing Brooklyn cafe culture to Manchester’s Northern Quarter, their philosophy is simple: “great food, a cool vibe, and interesting drinks, at great prices”. […]
A Very Saucy Brunch
Back in August, I was invited to a blogger’s very saucy brunch event in Manchester. Not THAT kind of saucy 😉 but hosted by The Saucy Fish Co. to promote the seafood brunch revolution which is seeing fish become more popular as a key component in this meal. With NPD chefs cooking up four dishes […]
AO & Beko Eat Like a Pro Campaign – Healthy Family Meals
Did you know that a staggering 70 million children worldwide now suffer from obesity? That’s pretty shocking. Living a healthy lifestyle – not just short-term fads and trends – is something I’m extremely passionate about, even more so now that I’m a mum and have my own family. Eating well and exercising needn’t cost the […]
Dark Chocolate, Pear & Ginger Cake
Since Summer is slowly coming to a close, I’ve created this warming chocolate cake made with Montezuma’s incredible Spice It Up bar. ‘Tiny pieces of famous Chinese dragon ginger in dark chocolate. It doesn’t get much better!’ says co-founder Simon Pattinson, and I couldn’t agree more. I actually didn’t used to be a fan of […]
How Tom Loves To Eat Pic’s Peanut Butter
I first introduced Thomas to peanut butter when I started weaning him at 6 months old. Don’t worry, I checked beforehand that this was ok – according to the NHS website, ‘As long as there’s no history of food allergies or other allergies in your family, you can give your baby peanuts once they’re 6 […]
Peanut Butter Chocolate Cookie Sandwiches
As a self-confessed peanut butter lover, I can’t tell you how excited I am to be working with New Zealand-based Pic’s once again, creating more divine recipes and also talking about how my toddler loves it just as much as I do and how he likes to enjoy it! I’ve spotted Pic’s peanut butter in […]
Chocolate Protein Breakfast Muffins
When time is short, you want something nutritious and high in protein (and also tasty!) in the morning, it’s easy to grab something unhealthy or full of sugar. So why not make your own super easy, energy and protein packed treats that taste like having a dessert for breakfast? Simply throw the muffin ingredients into […]