Let the Christmas ‘baking’ continue! So there’s probably some sort of copyright problem with me calling these Bounty balls. But they are so reminiscent of a bounty, and it used to be my favourite chocolate bar as a kid so that’s a huge compliment. These little chocolates are ridiculous easy to make and way healthier than the original.
ROASTED TOMATO AND RED PEPPER TORTILLA SOUP WITH GRILLED SWEET CORN AND AVOCADO
This soup. Just, well it’s everything. If you’ve never used tortillas to thicken your soup you’ve got to do it. It’s genius as it makes it creamier without having to use cream! If a soup can be summery and still hot then this is it. It’s perfect for cities like Melbourne when you’re blessed with summer produce but there’s just as much chance of a cold 6 degree day in December as there is a 34 degree one. The toppings are out of control and the main reason for that summer vibe.
GINGERBREAD BLISS BALLS
These taste just like gingerbread but they’re waaaay better for you. Why gingerbread because: It’s Christmas this month! This month! That’s so soon. I LOVE Christmas, I love the time spent with family friends, how everyone is in a good mood, Mariah Carey’s Christmas album playing on repeat (haha, no shame)… and the food.
ONE PAN ROASTED CHICKEN WITH LENTILS AND FARRO
I’m all about less cleaning up, so one pot dishes are my jam. This dish has so much flavour, great textures AND it can all be cooked in one pot. You don’t even need any bowls for prep. Just a chopping board, knife, and a dish to bake it all in. The flavours from the chicken make the lentils and barley so tasty and the apricots add just the right amount of sweetness.
MUSHROOM AND SPRING ONION DUMPLINGS
In case you’ve just arrived here by chance I’ll fill you in on something important about me: I love dumplings. Dumplings are life and I love them in all their many forms. I’ve tried many vegetarian dumplings and these are definitely my favourite ones. Tis rich mushrooms with the fresh chives is just such a good combination!
CAULIFLOWER RICE CHICKPEA AND AVOCADO SALAD WITH LEMON FETA DRESSING
Yep. It’s another cauliflower recipe, I just can’t help myself. And another chickpea recipe. Dressing chickpeas with delicious flavoursome dressings is my current thing. They just soak up flavour so well and are super filling so are great in lighter salads like this.
VEGAN CHOC-PEANUT BROWNIE
These brownies are fudgy and delicious, higher in protein than a regular brownie and vegan to boot. They’re still a treat food though. A very, delicious, chocolatey, fudgy treat food. And they have a secret ingredient.
YAKITORI CHICKEN BOWLS WITH JAPANESE SLAW
Okay so I do realise that yakitori belongs on a skewer but stop ruining my fun and love of food in a bowl. This has all the flavours of yakitori marinade but you don’t need to put the meat on a skewer or have a grill/open flame to cook it on. So it’s yakitori, but less effort.
QUINOA BIBIMBAP BOWL WITH SPICY CABBAGE AND BROCCOLI
Well hello there you spicy-flavour-texture-bomb-colourful bowl of goodness you. This is not my first vegetarian bibimbap. It’s more of a green and pink affair than the last one and I’m totally into the colour combo. And the flavours. Everything on this is yelling at you but when you get them all together they harmonise.
POACHED CHICKEN IN A SPICY COCONUT BROTH WITH SWEET POTATO NOODLES
This is so simple to make and so full of flavour. It feels like you’re eating something healing too because of the slurpy broth and big vegetable content. The gently poached chicken adds extra flavour to the broth, however you can leave it out, swap the chicken stock for vegetable stock and you’ve got a great vegetarian meal.