food

Raspberry Cheesecake Parfait
As you may already know, skipping a dessert might not always be good for your health as there are plenty of reasons we all crave for it; the point is to find the right way to replace all the unhealthy ingredients with natural alternatives that can nourish both your body and mind.
Time to present these top-listed jars full of deliciousness! A healthier and no-bake version of your favourite dessert, extra low in fat that maintains the magical “cheesecake feeling”.
In less than 15 minutes you’ll have this “red and white beauty” ready to enjoy with no guilt! Cause a light snack during the day can instantly change your mood and boost up your energy! 😎

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Total time: 15′

Ingredients: (serves 4)

1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
1 cup 0% thick greek yogurt
1/2 cup 0% cream cheese
1 cup granola (low fat & sugarfree)
8 brazilian nuts
3 tbsp lemon juice
3 tbsp honey

2 tsp salt

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Method: (Super easy..!)

1.  Blend the granola and add the crumbs to the bottom of the jar (use a spoon to pack it down firmly)

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2.  For the cheesy mixture, add in to a food processor the yogurt, nuts, lemon, honey and salt and blend till smooth; then place it over the crumbs

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3.  Finally, compress the raspberries and top them at the last layer of the jar

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* Garnish with all kinds of berries; blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, cranberries etc., some fresh leaves of mint and coconut chips! *

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Lighter; but still tastes like the real thing!

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Enjoy! 😉

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XX Niki

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Coconut Black Rice Pudding

I have to admit it. I’m not a big fan of rice pudding, but when it comes to a coconut-included recipe I just can’t resist.
Some days ago I was out for brunch so I decided to have a Black Rice Pudding dish which I was told that is a traditional Thai dessert, also known as “kao neow dahm”. I had NO idea what that meant, but the thing is that it was truly delicious and in fact it inspired me to make my own recipe at home.
Super easy, gluten-free and veeeery coconut-ty! Great for a quick and healthy breakfast, brunch or even a dessert. Creamy, sweet & fruity. It will surely amaze you and give you a rush of good energy…!

IMG_7331.jpgPrep time: 5′
Cook time: 20′

Ingredients: (serves 4)
1 cup black rice
1 cup coconut milk
1/2 cup water
2 tbsp maple syrup
1 tbsp brown sugar (optional)
1 pinch of salt

Fruits, nuts and seeds to accompany your pudding: mango, passion fruit, pomegranate, banana, strawberries, pineapple, coconut flakes, goji berries

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Method:

1.  Place rice in a medium saucepan and mix with coconut milk, sugar, salt and the indicated amount of water
2. Boil until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed
3. Add the maple syrup and stir
4. Remove from heat and set aside while you prepare your toppings

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*Top it with some chopped fruit and a sprinkle of nuts to increase the amount of protein.

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5.  Place the pudding into a bowl and cover it with your desired toppings

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6.  Serve and pour over a small amount of warmed coconut milk and maple syrup

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Almost ready…!

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  7.  Take a spoon, stir and get ready to ENJOY!!

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XX Niki

Açaí Bowl

Welcoming June with these delicious & refreshing tropical Αçaí Βowls…! Wild-harvested from the heart of the Amazon, açaí berries (pronounced “ah-sa-ee”), are considered to be one of the top ranked superfoods, due to their incredible antioxidant properties. This is basically the alternative South American recipe for a more special and interesting thick berry smoothie, enjoyed with a spoon and topped with a whole host of nutritious ingredients. And here’s where the real fun begins! The options for your toppings can be only limited by your own imagination!…
You find it crazy? Don’t be skeptical! This superfood açaí bowl will give you the absolute boost to get you going through the day. Just give it a try; I guess there must be a good reason for them becoming nowadays so trendy and gaining a notable popularity worldwide!!

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Prep time: 5′

Ingredients: (makes 1 bowl)

1 frozen banana
1 cup fresh strawberries
1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk

2 tbsp of açaí berry powder

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Plus our toppings

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Açaí Berry Powder

Method: (suuuper easy!)
  1. Put all the ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth
  2. Pour the smoothie mixture into a bowl
  3. Top with desired ingredients
  4. Serve and Enjoy! 😀

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My toppings:
Chia seeds
Goji berries
Raspberries
Coconut
Banana
Kiwi, and…

I would highly recommend these #truly, #madly and “Cereously Healthy” organic cereals by Joice Foods.

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You can also double your ingredients for an extra large bowl! 😜

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Definitely more than a smoothie!

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xxx N

Soufflé au Chocolat!

Nutella lover? Soufflé lover? The perfect combo: introducing the heavenly Soufflé de Nutella!

Be sure that a hot and well-risen soufflé, fresh from the oven, will always delight your guests. But in this case, when Nutella shows up, trust me, everybody’s gonna truuuly fall for it!!

Remember: It’s ALL about timing! You have to take them out of the oven just at the right moment. The center should be still molten and gooey, though the texture fluffy and airy. When ready, sprinkle them with a dusting of powdered sugar and of course serve them à la minute!

P.S. Despite its reputation, this dessert is actually quick & easy to make! It always works.

IMG_5212Total time: 25’
Serves: 4

Ingredients:
2 eggs
1 tsp sugar
Butter
Cocoa powder

1/2 cup of Nutella

Just give it a try. . . !

 

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Method:

  1.   Preheat the oven to 190C

  2.   You will need 2 bowls.
          Bowl 1: Mix the Nutella with egg yolks
          Bowl 2: Beat egg whites with sugar till stiff

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Bowl 1 & 2

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3.  Combine the 2 mixtures using a spatula

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4.  Grease the ramequins with butter and lightly dust them with some cocoa powder

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5.  Evenly distribute the mixture into the ramequins

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6.  Finally, bake for 15 to 17 minutes and SERVE IMMEDIATELY!!!

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Seriously, it’s delicious!!!

“Le souffle n’attend pas, on attend le soufflé.” 

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Who wants a bite?

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Yuuuummm…!

xxx N

The Hallstatt Dream

When we arrived, I thought it was just an illusion. I’ve been dreaming for so long to visit this small peace of heaven on earth. And finally, I caught my dream to Hallstatt, by sensing the unique atmosphere of the town! Located in Upper Austria, on a narrow stretch of land between mountain and shore.

Maybe one of the most picturesque places I’ve ever been to!! The glassy waters of the Lake make this village look like it’s been taken out of a fairytale. Best known for its surreal views and its small yet magical lake-houses.

Follow me to my Dream Land…!

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The “postcard”

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The Alpine Lake-view from above

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Exploring the Old Town

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Uninterrupted views to the Lake

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Baro-hygro-thermometer

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Straight from the Hallsatt Salt Mine

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@Maislinger Bakery for a big variety of typical Austrian desserts & coffees

 

Winter in Kitz

Kitzbühel, a small town near Tyrol which is located in the heart of the Austrian Alps, is considered to be one of the most best-known winter holiday resorts of Austria.

Built on a long ridge of hills, the old town of Kitzbühel offers spectacular sceneries with the highlight of the colourful traditional town houses. As it’s famous for its magical passageways and breathtaking views, I would highly recommend you to take a horse & carriage ride for a more romantic tour around town.

It’s said that “the glamour of the big wide world is reflected in Kitzbühel in a smaller version”. Charming cafés, gourmet restaurants, lively nightlife and exclusive shopping. The outstanding beauty of the Alps will never disappoint you, be sure about it! 😉

P.S. Don’t forget to try some of the Tyrollean traditional dishes such as the Kasspatzln (cheesy gnocchi) and of course the typical Wiener Schnitzel.
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The Old Town

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Horse-drawn carriage

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Old town stories

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Clock Tower

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Snow path to the top

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Colorful n Peaceful

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Alpen chic-rustic architecture

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Love Cookies

Surprise your Valentine with the most tempting cookies in the whole world; butter cookies. It’s an extremely easy and yummy recipe so just try make some time for it.

As it’s February, the month of love, I decided to heart-shape them and decorate them with all of my love. 😋 So… Simple and cute butter cookies, all topped with royal icing. Couldn’t be better!

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Preparation time: 20’
Cook: 20’

Ingredients: (makes 45 mini or 22 large cookies)

220g butter, chilled
150g white sugar
270g all-purpose flour
50g custard powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 egg

Here’s everything you’ll need . . . 

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Method:

1.  Put the butter and sugar in a food processor and pulse until the mixture looks like fine breadcrumbs

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2.  Add flour, custard powder, vanilla extract and the egg and mix thoroughly

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3.  On a lightly floured surface, bring the dough together and form it into 2 flat rounds

4.  Wrap in cling films and chill for 30’, while you preheat the oven to 160C

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5.  Now roll the dough rounds out on a floured surface and shape them with a cookie cutter. When ready, lay them on a baking tray lined with baking paper.

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6.  Finally, bake at 160C for 20 minutes while you prepare the toppings!

For the Royal Icing you’ll need:

2 cups of powdered sugar
The whites of 2 eggs
2 teaspoons of lemon juice
And of course, some food colouring

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Don’t panic, it’s easy:

  • In a large bowl combine the egg whites and lemon juice and start mixing
  • Add powdered sugar gradually and mix until incorporated
  • And now just add some food colouring, if desired…

Ready!!!

IMG_1109  C A U T I O N ! ! !

* These cookies are made with Love!  *

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A sweet way to say “I love you”!

 

 

 

 

Avocado Toast

To all the avocado lovers, here’s a really simple yet delicious recipe that can easily satisfy your hunger, no matter what time of the day it strikes. It might have gone mainstream these days but it still maintains its rich taste just like a simple & delicious buttered toast.

Representing the Avocado Toast with Poached Eggs! It’s technically just smashed avocado on crusty bread, but trust me, it really is worth it! You should make that toast count, just spice it up and enjoy it!

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Total time: 10′

Ingredients: (serves 2)

2 slices of toasted bread
2 eggs
1 avocado, smashed
Juice of 1/2 lemon
1 tbsp olive oil
1 pinch of salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Red pepper flakes

What you’ll need . . .  

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Method:

1.  Scoop the avocado flesh into a small bowl

2.  Add the olive oil, lemon juice, salt & black pepper

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3.  Mash the mixture until it’s mixed well

4.  Add the red pepper flakes and continue mixing

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Avocado mixture: done!

5.  Toast the bread while you poach the eggs (the yolks should be runny)

6.  Spread the avocado mixture over the bread

7.  Place on top the runny poached eggs

8.  Sprinkle some red pepper flakes and of course ground black pepper on top!

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Cut in half and serve.

Bon appétit! 🙂

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On-the-go Healthy Energy Bars

Wondering what you should have for breakfast or for a quick pre and maybe post-workout snack? Or what you should do at a really tough “is it dinner time yet?” moment?!

If you’ve only got 10 extra minutes, then try make your own healthy snacks that will keep you going through the day. Low in calories and yet so tempting!

Quick & easy to make!!

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Total time: 30′

Ingredients: (makes about 10-12 bars)

3 tablespoons of honey
4 tablespoons of cereal (mixed)
1 tbsp dried cranberries
1 tbsp raisins
1 tbsp flax seeds
1 tbsp chopped pistachios
1 tbsp walnuts (roughly chopped)
1 tbsp raw almonds (chopped)
1 tbsp chocolate drops

Ready…? Go!

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The ingredients

Method:

  1. Preheat the oven to 160C
  2. Line the baking pan with parchment paper
  3. In a medium bowl combine all of the ingredients except for the honey

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4. Warm the honey and pour it over the dry ingredients; mix well to combine

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5. Press the mixture firmly and place it into the oven

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6. Bake for about 20 minutes

7. When ready, let it cool for some time and cut equally into 12 bars

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Finally, these delicious guilt-free snacks are ready to be enjoyed for the entire week!

Grab & Go, Grab & Go . . . !

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DO-NUT worry!

I was out with my sister the day before, drinking coffee and eating those typical cute donut pans. When I came back home I decided to give it a try; and whoop! Here we are! Delicious, baked and quite easy to make! DO-NUT worry! On weekends we don’t count calories 😉

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Ingredients: (makes 2 dozen medium donuts)

3 3/4 cups flour
2 teaspoons yeast
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup milk (better warmed)
3/4 cup melted butter
4 eggs
1tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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The ingredients

It’s the easiest way cause you won’t need to deep-fry them or use any machine for the dough. Let’s go!

Method:

Bowl 1: Add your flour, yeast and and salt; mix well
Bowl 2: Whisk together milk, eggs, honey, butter and vanilla extract

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Bowl 1 & Bowl 2

Mix the two bowls together with a spatula until you form a dough

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Getting closer… Dough ready!

Cover tightly with a cling film and a towel and let it stand in a room temperature for 2 to 3 hours. You’re gonna see it rise!
Then place it in the fridge overnight for about 12 hours

(next day)

Roll it out on a flour surface and shape the dough using a donut cutter (alternatively use a knife).
When ready, lay them on a baking tray lined with baking paper.
Finally, bake at 190C for 15 minutes while you prepare the toppings!

Topping Ideas:

VANILLA GLAZE
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 tablespoons milk

PINK GLAZE
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 tablespoons milk
1 small drop pink food colouring

CHOCOLATE GLAZE
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 tablespoons milk
3 tablespoons cocoa powder

OR top them with sugar, powdered sugar, cinnamon, honey, peanut butter, jam etc. As you can see, donut toppings can only be limited by your imagination!

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Our Pink & Chocolate Glaze

……….yuuumm……

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Chocolate glazed

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Pink glazed

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ENJOY!!! 😍😎🍩