Lemon and Poppy Seed Muffins

These muffins are very tasty and satisfying. They make a great snack or even a meal replacement if you are in a rush. They are a great on the go breakfast option. 

200g almond flour (ground almonds)
1/2 tsp gluten free baking powder
1/2 tsp bicarbonate of soda
1/2 tsp sea salt
2 tbsp runny honey (raw organic is best)
Juice and zest of one large organic unwaxed lemon
60ml good oil (olive oil, macadamia nut oil or avocado oil)
2 eggs, beaten
1 tsp vanilla essence

1 tbsp poppy seeds

Method

Heat the oven to 180 degrees (160 fan oven)

In a large bowl mix almond flour, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda and sea salt 

In another bowl mix honey, lemon juice, oil, eggs and vanilla essence

Combine wet and dry ingredients and mix well

Add poppy seeds and lemon zest and mix well

Spoon into muffin cases

Bake for 15 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean

All these ingredients can be bought from the mainstream supermarkets in the UK. Ground almonds are usually found with the nuts. Avocado oil is in some supermarkets and macadamia nut oil can be found online.

Spanish Chicken Stew

This is a really nice easy dish and is great either in summer or winter. Serve with cauliflower rice or sweet potato wedges and a green salad or green veg. This dish can be prepared in the morning and cooked on low in a slow cooker all day. Who needs processed convenience foods?



Spanish Chicken Stew

Serves 4

You will need:

12 chicken drumsticks/thighs (I use a mixture of each)

1 large onion chopped

2 garlic cloves crushed

1-2 tsp paprika (smoked paprika is nice)

2 slices smoked bacon chopped

1 tin chopped tomatoes

1/4 litre sugar free chicken stock (home made is best)

65g pitted black olives (optional)

Salt and pepper

Method

In a large casserole dish fry the chicken in batches until browned then set aside.

Add bacon, onion, paprika and garlic to the pan and fry gently until  the bacon and onion are cooked.

Add the chicken back into the pan stir in chopped tomatoes, olives (if using) and stock, season well and simmer on the hob for 1 hour until chicken is thoroughly cooked thorough.

(I also added some cooked sausage left over from last night about half an hour before the end of cooking.)