Dutch Carrots in Maple Syrup

When you want a change from ordinary carrots, buy Dutch Carrots and cook them with maple syrup. It's easy, different and a winner with the family.

1. Buy a bunch of Dutch Carrots, trim the greenery down to about 3cm and peel them
2. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a frying pan, don't burn it
3. Add the carrots to the butter, add a pinch of salt and pepper
4. On a medium heat, cook until tender (about 10-15mins depending on their size). Ensure you toss (or shake the pan) regularly so they cook on all sides
5. Once tender, add 2 tablespoons of maple syrup (the good Canadian stuff) and simply toss until warmed
6. Serve as a side dish with anything! D-E-L-icious  XD

Sugar-free, butter-free carrot cake

This recipe has been adapted from several carrot cake recipes I have on hand. I made it for the first time day and we were all surprised by the taste and texture - considering it has no butter or sugar. It is very healthy, easy and relatively quick.

Ingredients:

•  1 teaspoon vanilla flavouring
•  2 eggs
•  1 tablespoon good quality olive oil
•  1 large carrot, peeled and grated
•  1 apple, peeled and grated
•  4 tablespoons low-fat natural Greek yoghurt
•  1 cup self-raising white flour
•  1 cup wholemeal flour
•  2 teaspoons baking powder

Method:

1. In a bowl, whisk the eggs and vanilla flavouring
2. Add the grated carrot and apple and stir
3. Add the oil, yoghurt, both the flours (sifted) and baking powder
4. Stir with a wooden spoon
5. Pour into a loaf tin and bake at 180 degrees celsius for 30-40mins

Lovely served warm with a light sprinkle of icing sugar and a hot cuppa. D-E-L-icious  XD

Fat-free Carrot Muffins

I used 3 separate recipes to create these healthy muffins so I consider them my own invention. They are quick, very healthy, moist and tasty with NO oil or butter. This recipe makes 12 muffins in a 12 muffin silicone baking tray.

Ingredients:

• 1 carrot, peeled and grated
• 1 apple, peeled and grated (I used Pink Lady)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla essence
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 4 level tablespoons natural Greek yoghurt
• 2 cups sifted self raising flour (alternatively you could replace 1 cup with wholemeal flour if you have it)

Method:

1. Pre-heat oven to 180 degrees celsius
2. Using spray oil, spray your muffin tray
3. In a large bowl, whisk the 2 eggs
4. Add the grated carrot and apple and whisk together
5. Add the sugar, natural Greek yoghurt and vanilla essence and whisk again
6. Add the sifted flour and whisk all together (it looks runny, but it's OK)
7. Spoon the mixture into the muffin tray
8. Bake at 180 degrees celsius for 22 minutes.

Nice served alone or sprinkled with a small amount of icing sugar.  D-E-L-icious  XD

Red Lentil & Carrot Soup

This recipe is easy, fast, tasty and extremely healthy. It serves 4. Serve with or without the bread. If your tummy can handle dairy, a small dash of natural Greek yoghurt is nice on top.

Ingredients:

• 4 large carrots, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 cup red lentils
• 1/2 tsp cumin powder
• 1 litre liquid chicken stock. Do not use chicken powder - it is NOT NATURAL!!!
• 1 litre water
• Salt & pepper to taste

Method:

1. Place all ingredients in a large saucepan and stir
2. Bring to the boil, then turn down and simmer for 15 minutes
3. Blend in a blender or food processor
4. Serve with a small piece of either sour dough or gluten free bread

D-E-L-icious  XD