Multi Grain Chocolate Chip Pancakes

There have been a lot of changes around here lately...for starters I've got a new job which is more food focused! I'll be doing food writing, recipe development and much much more. I took a week off inbetween jobs and I've spent my time off mainly away from my computer but I thought I would just write a little note to say hi.

R and I have also found our new place and are moving next weekend...finally we'll be settled in a place of our own where I will be more inspired to cook and create! We've lived with housemates for the past few years and so I'm looking forward to having a place to myself...my own little haven to retreat to.

And now onto food...since I've had a whole week off I've had lazy mornings...and with lazy mornings comes breakfast! I made these delicious fluffy pancakes the other day with a bag of Bob's Red Mill organic 7 grain pancake mix. These were delicious and so easy to make...I'll even go as far as to say that they could be kinda healthy too since they're filled with all sorts of hearty grains.

1 Cup Bob's Red Mill Pancake Mix
1 Egg
1 Tbs Oil
3/4 Cup Cold Milk
1/2 Cup Chocolate Chips

Mix all the ingredients until just blended

and drop by spoonful on a preheated pan

Cook on the first side till the edges start to firm up and then flip. Serve hot with syrup....or as I like to have my pancakes...with peanutbutter! Yum!

Smoothie Craze

I've been on a bit of a smoothie craze lately...Everyday for the past two weeks! There's something comforting about starting each day with a glass of goodness...and it's so easy to make.

I just thought I'd share some of my favourite combinations. I didn't measure out the ingredients when I made my smoothies...I just kinda added stuff if it was too thick or too thin. Play around with it and get it to the consistency that you will enjoy. Just pop everything in a blender...blitz till well combined and enjoy. Easy peasy!

Dragonfruit Banana Smoothie (Pictured Above)
The bright purple dragonfruit is so pretty and not to mention packed with vitamin C, high in fibre, and low in calories. It is also rich in phytoalbumins which have antioxidant properties. Bananas also have many health benefits and you can check out a full list here.

1/2 Dragonfruit
1 Banana
1/4 Cup Soy Milk
3 ice cubes

Peanut-Choc Oat Smoothie
This tasty smoothie gives you a protein and energy boost. Peanutbutter contains fairly high quantities of dietary fiber which helps in regulating both blood cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Pure cocoa powder
is an excellent source of catechins, which are polyphenols of the flavanol grou that are believed to protect against heart disease, cancer, and various other medical conditions. The oatmeal supplies an additional protein boost and also is a good source of many nutrients.

1 Tbs Peanutbutter
1 Tbs Cocoa Powder
1/2 Banana
3 Tbs Uncooked Instant Oatmeal
1/4 Cup Skim Milk
3 ice cubes

Berry Yoghurt Smoothie
This thick creamy smoothie is absolutely berrylicious! More studies are showing that blueberries play an important role in a healthy diet. They provide a great boost of antioxidants and aid your mind in aging gracefully. Strawberries are also high in phytonutrients and antioxidants as well as vitamin C. Yogurt is a great way to have calcium in your diet and it promotes the growth of good bacteria in the digestive tract.

1 Cup Frozen Blueberries
1 Cup frozen Strawberries
1/2 Cup Plain Yogurt
Splash of Skim Milk
1 Tbs Honey

Play around with fruits in your fridge...there are so many wonderful combinations you can make. I haven't bought mango recently but I'm eager to make a mango yogurt smoothie...mmm!