Valentine's Decadent Rose Petal Hot Cocoa

This luxurious hot cocoa is fragrant with rose petals, indulgent with cream & the perfect Valentine's drink!

Yield: 2 mugs
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes

Valentine's Rose Petal Hot Cocoa

Can you honestly think of Valentine's Day without thinking of roses and chocolate? I certainly can't! So when I headed to the kitchen to develop this recipe, I wanted to be inspired by those two Feb 14 staples, but to highlight them in a unique and easy way that anyone could recreate.

There's one thing you should know about this hot cocoa (and any hot cocoa made from scratch): it will taste as good as the quality of the chocolate you use. That is the secret to getting a luxuriously thick and decadent hot cocoa!

Check out that chocolate work heart! So sweet!

Gluten Free & Vegan Chocolate Strawberries for Valentine's Day

On the day of love, shower your Valentine with the food of love - juicy strawberries dipped in delicious gluten-free and dairy-free chocolate!

Yield: A dozen
Prep time: 10 minutes

Gluten-Free & Vegan Chocolate Strawberries

In the past, I've gone for slightly more elaborate Valentine's Day treats, like these triple chocolate eclairs or these decadent red velvet pancakes. This year, I wanted to give you a Valentine's recipe that is gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan approved and one that won't take ages to prepare!

Williamson Tea's Kenyan Earth Review

A review of a robust blend of Kenyan Black Tea from Williamson Tea!

 

Review of Kenyan Earth by Williamson Tea

I've always been an elephant lover. Ordinarily, elephants don't really come to mind when you speak of tea, but the lovely folks at family-owned Williamson Tea share my passion for the pachyderms. You cannot think of any of their lovely teas without thinking of elephants. From the moment you reach for their iconic, elephant tea storage tins, to the realisation that they support the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust to their mission to spread the word of the "tea for elephants" movement. My love of elephants isn't why I'm reviewing this tea, however. It's my downright tea snobbery, that brings me to the steaming mug again.

Princes From Concentrate Juice Review

A review of Princes long-life from concentrate juice range!

Long-Life Princes Juice Review

As the mother of a 4-year-old, I buy a lot of juice. Juice is definitely one of our staple food groups in this house, and having options that don't require refrigeration after purchasing is a definite bonus, especially given our limited fridge space.

I'm not usually a drinker of  juices from concentrate as I find they can sometimes taste a bit too artificial, but that's not the case with Princes. Whilst the orange juice has a stronger taste than I was expecting, it's still quite tasty; getting a big seal of approval from Callum!

No matter what, I'm destined to buy juice in every weekly shop. Not only does it keep Callum happy by satisfying a sweet tooth, it also keeps everyone in the family consuming their five a day! The Princes juice range stocks just under a dozen flavour combinations from the smooth orange, apple and apple and raspberry that I tried to mango, tomato and cranberry.

The lovely people at Princes provided me with a sample of juices. Although compensated, none of the views or opinions expressed within this post have been bought, coerced, bribed or influenced. All words are my own and have not been coached or vetted by Princes or anyone else.

Start your morning on the right foot with this healthy gluten free smoothie bowl filled with goodness!

Yield: 1 smoothie bowl
Prep time: 10 minutes

Gluten Free Strawberry & Blueberry Smoothie Bowl

I've been on and off the smoothie wagon multiple times in my life. Usually, I start out incredibly excited about smoothie making. All that fresh fruit! The blender! The ease and convenience! But then, about two weeks into having freezing cold hands from sipping icy smoothies, I begin to get fed up. I also get quite annoyed with the fact that drinking my breakfast somehow doesn't seem to register with my body that I'd actually had breakfast. I need to lift a fork or a spoon to my mouth.

And then there were smoothie bowls. All the fruit-filled fun of a smoothie without the frostbitten fingers! Plus, there's a spoon involved! I silently observed the smoothie bowl trend for a good few months before I decided to take the plunge and try one myself. I won't lie; I was skeptical. Now? I'm converted.

Eating Healthy with Yumbox

Pack a healthy lunch with Yumbox and stick to your New Year's Resolutions to eat better!

Eat Healthy with Yumbox

I don't know where to begin singing these Yumbox praises. Seriously, without a doubt, this is the coolest, most convenient lunch box I've ever used. When I first opened my gleaming, bright pink Yumbox, I thought: There's no way that small amount of food will fill me up!  I was completely wrong!

It's the season of promises and resolutions & for many foodies, that extends to the kitchen!  Here are 9 cooking resolutions to see you through the year ahead & make you a better cook!

9 Cooking Resolutions for the New Year

At this time of year, the majority of us vow to become better people doing all sorts of things we feel responsible adults should do. And while traditional resolutions are all well and good, there's nothing like a bit of a lighthearted resolution to help you rediscover your passion! Especially one that results in something edible and delicious. Here are 9 resolutions you'll actually want to try (and actually will be able to achieve in the new year!).

Gluten Free Havarti & Caramelised Onion Canapes for New Year's Eve

Ring in 2016 with these decadent gluten free Castello Havarti cheese canapes!

Yield: a dozen
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: No cooking required

New Year's Eve Gluten Free Havarti Canapes

One of the best things about New Year's Eve is having a sophisticated late night soiree, passing nibbles and drinks around the room as you count down the end of the year and start of a new one. No New Year's Eve party worth attending skimps on the canapes! This recipe is ridiculously easy; there's no cooking involved (unless you decide to go whole hog and make your own homemade chutney) and it's ready to throw together in minutes!

Although I've branded it as being a New Year's Eve recipe, you can easily use it any time of year as an appetiser or canape for any party you find yourself hosting! Go as lavish or as budget on the crispbreads or crackers and the chutney, but do not skimp on the cheese! The cheese is the star of this recipe. I used an indulgent Havarti, from Castello that is so creamy and moreish even the most fussy cheese eater won't be able to resist.

Mulled Wine Moscow Mules with Waitrose's Gluten Free Christmas Products

Pair a Waitrose gluten free mince pie or Christmas pudding with an indulgent mulled wine in a trendy Moscow Mule mug & kickstart your festivities!

Yield: 2 mugs
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes

Mulled Wine Moscow Mules

'Tis the season for festive cheer and, if you're in Britain, loads of mince pies and Christmas cake! When you can't have gluten in your diet, mince pies can be more daunting than festive. Thankfully, this year, Waitrose is providing Coeliacs and gluten and wheat allergy sufferers options for Christmas food with a range of free from mince pies and Christmas cakes.

Gluten Free Green Bean Casserole for a #GlutenFreeChristmas

This gluten free twist on an American classic is the perfect side dish for a #GlutenFreeChristmas!

Yield: 8 servings
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes

Gluten Free Green Bean Casserole

Here's an American Thanksgiving and Christmas tradition you may not have come across: Green Bean Casserole. This casserole is a staple at the dinner table on the big holidays in the states and has been on my list to make gluten free for some time. It's a really easy side dish to make and you can serve it alongside turkey, ham or chicken.It would also work well as an Easter side dish, too!