Autumn Equinox, Pumpkin Buckwheat Scones, Yoga Schedule

Autumn Equinox,

We have passed the mid way point, where light equals dark, from here on, the light fades...

I find the change of seasons a natural time to reflect, harvest time especially I feel filled with gratitude for all the love and nourishment Mother Earth provides. I feel deep gratitude for all in my life that gives it greater purpose and meaning, and all the ways that allow me deeper connection to and alignment with the rhythms of life, light and dark, day and night, summer, autumn, winter, spring, full moon to dark moon.

Here is a fresh price list, now is a perfect time to stock your pantry for the slower, colder months ahead. Light, cool, summery food will slowly be replaced with warmer winter nourishment. I have organic black rice, which is highly nutritious and oh so delicious, I have been enjoying coconut black rice pudding as a warming breakfast. Rice, buckwheat and quinoa all make delicious nourishing gluten free porridge alternatives, and flavours are only limited by your imagination...

I am loving teaching Yoga at Kingston House, 123 Hone Heke Road. It is a perfect yoga space, local, quiet, beautiful wooden floors, doors that open wide to let the sun and fresh air in and a stunning outlook onto nature and greenery. Please join me, Mondays 6.30 - 7.30pm and Wednesdays 9.30 - 10.30am, also Wednesdays 3.15 - 4.15pm at Oromahoe School. $10 a class.

No Yoga at school this Wednesday afternoon as we hold workshops every day after school this week in preparation for the first Environmental Food and Film Festival at Oromahoe School on Friday April 7. There will be an outdoor cinema with environmental films for adults and children, food stalls and more. Come along, more details here

Here are a bunch of recipes for sweet and savoury gluten free pumpkin scones... you are either a scone person or not... if not, sorry. If yes... enjoy! : )

I would love to see some reviews, if you have ordered organic whole foods from me, tried a recipe or come to a yoga class I would love to hear some feedback and for you to review me on my Facebook page so others can get more of a feel for what Conscious Life is about...

Once past 12 reviews I will pick one of you lovelies at random to win a little yoga + organic whole food love package... free classes, a beautiful handmade savasana eye mask made by my beautiful and talented friend Jaye and some nourishing treaties.

All my love,

We are One Conscious Life,

Namaste

Kate

Pumpkin and Buckwheat Scones with Cinnamon and Raisins

Pumpkin and Buckwheat Scones

1 cup buckwheat flour
1 cup brown rice flour
2 cups grated pumpkin
1 tsp baking soda
1 - 1 + 1/2 cups coconut cream or milk of your choice

This is the basic recipe... for savoury add a pinch of salt and some fresh herbs, I used rosemary and basil. For sweet add some spice and dried fruit, I used 1 tsp cinnamon (ginger would work too) and 1/2 cup raisins.

Combine dry ingredients in a bowl, add coconut cream last and don't mix too much, see how much liquid you need, somewhere around one and a quarter to one and a half cups of liquid usually, you want it quite moist, not too dry. Flour your baking tray and spoon the scone mix onto it, dust some more flour over the top and then use your hands to shape into one big round or square. (Because it's gluten free to keep it soft and moist and not dry it needs to be a bit wetter than normal scone mix). Use a knife to cut into segments or squares and then bake at 180 degrees for 15 - 20 minutes.

Pumpkin and Paneer Buckwheat scones

Add to the basic recipe...

1 tsp cumin
1 tsp salt
1 cup chopped greens
1/2 cup chopped paneer or sun dried tomatoes

Pumpkin and Paneer Buckwheat Scones

Turmeric Buckwheat Loaf

Turmeric Buckwheat Loaf

This is a deliciously nourishing, completely gluten and dairy free, paleo and vegan (if egg left out) loaf of bread. Buckwheat is a powerhouse of nutrition. It is so quick and easy and can be transformed into limitless variations. It is one of my favourite go to gluten free bread recipes that I change up all the time. I'm sure to share some more delicious takes on this loaf soon!

2 cups buckwheat groats
(soaked overnight or atleast 3 hours and rinsed well)
1 egg plus water to make up 1 cup liquid
(or 1 tbsp chia seeds stirred through water instead of egg)
1/4 onion (chopped)
2 cloves garlic (chopped)
1/2 cup sun dried tomatoes (chopped)
1 cup packed chopped herbs and greens (I used silver beet)
2 tsp turmeric
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda

In a food processor process the buckwheat, egg or chia and water until you have a smoothish batter. Add the rest of the ingredients and blend until well combined. Pour into a greased loaf tin and bake at 180 degrees for 40 minutes to 1 hour.

Carob and Brazil Nut Smoothie

Carob and Brazil Nut Smoothie

2 frozen bananas, 6 brazil nuts, 3/4 cup nut, seed or rice milk, 3/4 cup water, 1 heaped tbsp carob powder (or raw cacao powder), pinch cinnamon, 1 tbsp Maca (optional), bee pollen on top (optional), blend well, enjoy sweet, creamy, cold, refreshing goodness! Serves 2 - 3.

Too hard to take good photos before these quick and hungry wee hands get there first!

Christmas Eve Chai Spiced Chocolate Ganache Tart

Happy New Year!

I hope you are loving up the summer heat and vibes, taking every opportunity to hit the beach, see the sea, get wet, gather with friends and family to celebrate life.

Here's a quick updated price list, with all the goodies and locally grown organic Macadamias, yum. Get in quick as I have a limited amount.

If you are like me you will be happy to be back to feeding yourself and your family with beautiful nourishing whole food after lots of holiday and celebration eating.

I am offering summer holiday Yoga in the park classes Monday mornings 9.30am in the shade of a tree in the park across the road from the Stone Store. Bring a mat if you have one and $10. The first class fees will be donated to the Standing Rock movement as the weather meant the original fundraising class was postponed. Please check my Facebook page as I will update that if the weather means a change in plans. These classes will tide us over until the school term starts and I can finalise class times and venues for a regular schedule. I am planning an after school class at Oromahoe School and a 6pm class for those who work.

Here's the recipe for a nearly raw, super simple, no bake, gluten and dairy free (as always) chai spiced chocolate ganache tart that I created for our Christmas Eve dinner. So much more beautiful to look at and eat than Christmas pud!

Thank you as always for your inspiration,

Enjoy!

LOVE

We are One Conscious Life,

Namaste

Kate

Christmas Eve Spiced Chocolate Ganache Tart

Base

1 cup shredded coconut
1/2 cup desiccated coconut
1/2 cup brazil nuts
1/2 cup raisins
1 heaped tbsp raw cacao powder
1 tbsp coconut oil
1 tsp vanilla
pinch salt

Add everything to a food processor and blend until it's all sticking together nicely. Press into the base of a tart dish or silicone cake mould and pop into the freezer to firm up.

Chocolate Ganache

8 dates
2 avocados
200ml or the solidified part of a can of coconut cream
1/3 cup raw cacao powder
8 pieces of Whittakers Dark Ghana Chocolate
1/2 tsp chai spices
pinch salt
extra coconut cream
berries, shredded coconut and flowers to garnish

Add the dates and avocado to a blender. Ever so gently warm the coconut cream in a pan and whisk in the cacao powder, chocolate, salt and spices until a lovely smooth, thick, glossy ganache forms. Add to the blender with the dates and avocado and blend until smooth. You can use a little bit of extra coconut cream if you need to. Pour or spread over the tart base and chill to set. Once nicely firmed up you can gently remove it from the pan or mould and decorate before serving.

Raw Cacao Peppermint Slice

Raw Cacao Peppermint Slice
gluten, dairy, refined sugar free xxx

Base
1/2 cup buckwheat groats (mine were sprouted and dried till crunchy in a super low temp oven, you could use soaked and activated, toasted or raw buckwheat groats)
1/2 cup brazil nuts
1/2 cup desiccated coconut
1/2 cup raisins
1 large Tbsp raw cacao powder
1 Tbsp coconut oil
pinch pink or sea salt

Blend all ingredients in a food processor until it sticks together well. Grease a plastic container and press the base into it and put in the freezer.

Fresh Peppermint Filling
1 and 1/2 cups desiccated coconut
big handful fresh mint
handful spinach leaves
1/2 avocado
1/2 the solidified part of a can of coconut cream
1 tsp matcha powder (optional)
1 tsp Conscious Life 3 greens powder (or spirulina, barley or wheatgrass, optional)
2-3 drops food grade peppermint essential oil (or peppermint essence)
1-2 Tbsp maple syrup

Process the desiccated coconut for a few minutes first until it's sticking together, then add all the other ingredients and process until well combined. Spread over the base layer and return to the freezer.

Cacao Icing
1 large Tbsp coconut oil
the other 1/2 of the solid part of the coconut cream can
1 large Tbsp tahini
1 large Tbsp brown rice malt syrup (or maple syrup, honey)
1 large Tbsp cacao powder
pinch pink or sea salt
cacao nibs for decoration

Gently melt all ingredients together, add the cacao powder last when melted and off the super super low heat. Pour over the mint layer, sprinkle with cacao nibs and return to the freezer to set. Once solid and set press the slice out onto a board to slice up. Keep in the freezer or fridge and delicious eaten straight from the freezer.

Kiwifruit Icecream

We made this tangy and creamy kiwifruit icecream for lunch on a warm and sunny winters day. I used fresh organic raw cream, that we are lucky enough to get from the farmer every week... she gave us the kiwifruit too actually! But you could make this dairy free, and just as tasty and creamy by using coconut cream instead.

8 - 10 kiwifruit, halved, scooped out and frozen

2 - 3 bananas, peeled and frozen

1 cup cream or coconut cream

Blend all ingredients well in the food processor or high speed blender until you have a delicious, thick, creamy icecream. Make a big batch and put some in containers in the freezer for another day. Just pull it out to soften for a few minutes before eating and it will still be lovely, soft and creamy.

Coconut Red Quinoa Breakfast

I love having pre prepared things in the fridge for super quick but still warming and nourishing week day morning breakfasts.

Coconut Red Quinoa Breakfast

2 cups cooked red quinoa or 1 cup uncooked
1 cup coconut cream
1 tsp vanilla
1 tbsp rice malt syrup/honey/maple syrup
shredded coconut and kiwifruit

Warm the cooked quinoa, the coconut cream and vanilla in a pot over a low heat. When nice and toasty warm, take it off the heat and stir through the rice malt syrup. Serve topped with shredded coconut and kiwifruit.

If you are cooking the quinoa, rinse it well and cook it in a covered pot with the coconut cream and 1 cup of water until the liquid is absorbed, 15 minutes. Then stir through the vanilla and syrup and serve with toppings.

Chocolate Quinoa Fudge Bites

Hello there!

It's been awhile! Honestly, although this is the 15th Conscious Life Instalment, I still don't feel like I've quite got this whole newsletter, blogging thing... I'm getting there. I've wanted to be in touch for weeks, before the school holidays, but life and children take centre stage during holidays, forget about getting anything else done except loving up that time with the kids!

We have, however, been having huge amounts of adventurous fun in the kitchen and I'm bursting with yummy whole food recipes to share! Let's hope I can get some of them up onto the blog in the next few weeks before... Bali! I'll let you know when the recipes are up via the Conscious Life Facebook page and my Instagram account which you can check out and follow at the bottom of the page. Please share if you love it!

So all my energy is focused on getting prepared and getting me to Bali for my 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training. I leave in less than a month. Just. A. Little. Excited. And super excited about what I can share when I return. A fresh perspective, new knowledge, refreshed energy. So please get your orders in soon, over the next few weeks, I will be away from September 11 to October 13.

Here are a few delicious recipes we have been loving!

All my love, sweet ones,

We are one conscious life,

Namaste

Kate

I discovered Red Quinoa!

Funny, you may think, for an adventurous whole foodie like me but I had always thought they were all the same, so why not go with the slightly cheaper option, white quinoa. They are NOT the same! Red quinoa seems to have less of the bitter saponin (which is the bubbly soapy stuff you thoroughly wash off quinoa before using) It's taste is sweeter and nuttier and yummier! My kids even approve and they have never really been quinoa fans. So here are two delicious and nourishing red quinoa recipes to try!

Eating whole foods is all about being prepared. Which generally I'm not really that prepared person! I don't plan. Ever. I do things super last minute. But I love feeding my family whole foods, properly prepared. So I've got into the habit on the weekend of just choosing a whole bunch of jars from the pantry, a mix of grains, nuts, seeds, pulses and legumes, and putting them in jars with a drop of Apple Cider Vinegar and water to soak overnight and then I cook them the next day. This way my fridge is full with a combination of properly prepared yummy whole foods for me to make my last minute, on the fly dinners, abundance bowl lunch salads, school lunches and healthy treats. It's a winner! So these recipes use cooked red quinoa which I had in my fridge.

These are healthy little sweet treats perfect for school lunches as they are nut and seed free but with the quinoa they still contain a high quality complete plant protein.

Chocolate Fudge Bites

1 cup cooked red quinoa
1 cup dates
1 cup shredded coconut
1/4 cup cacao powder
pinch salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla
1 tblsp brown rice malt syrup/honey/maple syrup (optional)
1 tblsp coconut oil (optional)

First chop the dates up a bit in the food processor, then add all the other ingredients and process well until it's all sticking together, then roll up into little balls and keep in the fridge. Adding in the optional tablespoon of rice malt syrup and coconut oil transforms these into decadent fudgy chocolate bliss!

Wholefoods Pantry Starter Packs and Raw Cacao Buckwheat Crackles

Kia Ora my Conscious Crew!

It's so exciting and uplifting, every where I look, I see and meet people doing inspiring things, making huge positive changes in their own lives and inspiring others and the wider community to do the same.

Each of us are immensely powerful. Each thought, decision and action is creating the reality we share, the ripples spread outwards and inwards for ever. Think that positive thought, make that decision with integrity, and take that small step!

It gives me great joy to be able to offer my new Whole Foods Pantry Starter Packs. A perfect bundle of everything you need to transform your pantry into a whole foods pantry. Often taking the first step is the hardest thing! I've designed these packs to make it easy, affordable, inspiring and fun. Once you have everything you need right there, there's nothing stopping you. These packs make great housewarming gifts or student care packages. Each pack will include inspiration and a little surprise treat.

Two people inspiring me right now are Linz from Hart, Mind and Food, and Anna from The Veggie Tree. Both are offering the opportunity to learn to truly nourish yourself through the food you eat by holding cooking classes. Linz's next class is a Raw Food Dinner Party this Sunday afternoon 1 - 4pm. Anna is holding classes on Saturday afternoons. Check them both out for more info on Facebook.

As for my small steps towards positive transformation, I have committed to doing my Yoga Teacher Training later in the year in Bali. I will be dedicating a part of my trip to giving back in the best way I can. I'll keep you updated, your support is hugely appreciated!

I've got Organic Coconut Water and Ariki Coffee back in stock, no buckwheat or popcorn yet sorry but keep an eye out for more exciting new products I'm planning. Read on for Raw Cacao Buckwheat Crackles and what you get in the Whole Foods Pantry Starter Packs.

We are one conscious life,

Namaste

Kate

Raw Cacao Buckwheat Crackles

1/4 cup coconut oil (melted)
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup raw cacao powder
1 tsp vanilla extract
pinch salt

3/4 cup activated buckwheat
1 cup coconut chips
1/4 cup goji berries
1 tblsp chia seeds

Mix the coconut oil, maple syrup, cacao powder, vanilla and salt until well combined and chocolatey. Add the rest of the ingredients and mix well until everything is nicely coated. Add teaspoonfuls to mini muffin cups or trays and set in the freezer.

Activating buckwheat is easy, just soak it in water with a dash of apple cider vinegar for a few hours, then drain it and dry it on paper towels, spread it over an oven tray and dry it in the oven on the lowest temp, lower than 50, until it's completely dry and crunchy. This will take a few hours too. Activate a big batch to add to granola or raw slices or salads!

Don't forget to tag your creations #weareconsciouslife on Instagram or Facebook, and share the love!

Whole Foods Pantry Starter Pack 1 $100

Coconut Chips 100g
Desiccated Coconut 100g
Coconut Sugar 200g
Oats 500g
Brown Basmati Rice 500g
Quinoa 250g
Almonds 200g
Brazil Nuts 200g
Cashews 200g
Chia 100g
Flaxseed 200g
Sesame 200g
Sunflower Seed 200g
Pumpkin Seeds 200g
Sultanas 200g
Dates 200g
Goji Berries 100g
French Green Lentils 200g
Mung Beans 200g
Chickpeas 200g
Cacao Nibs 100g
Wholemeal Spelt Flour 1 kg
Cinnamon 50g
Ginger 50g
1 Litre Glass Jar x 1
700ml Glass Jar x 2

Gluten Free option Buckwheat 500g instead of Oats, Buckwheat Flour 500g and Coconut Flour 500g instead of Spelt Flour.

Ultimate Whole Foods Pantry Starter Pack $200

Coconut Chips 100g
Desiccated Coconut 100g
Coconut Sugar 200g
Vanilla Extract 100ml
Apple Cider Vinegar 750ml
Conscious Life 3 Greens Superfood Blend 50g
Oats 500g
Brown Basmati Rice 500g
Quinoa 250g
Almonds 200g
Brazil Nuts 200g
Cashews 200g
Chia 100g
Flaxseed 200g
Sesame 200g
Sunflower Seed 200g
Pumpkin Seeds 200g
Sultanas 200g
Dates 200g
Goji Berries 100g
Raw Coconut Oil 1 Litre
French Green Lentils 200g
Mung Beans 200g
Chickpeas 200g
Cacao Nibs 100g
Wholemeal Spelt Flour 1 kg
Cinnamon 50g
Ginger 50g
Raw Cacao Powder 500g
Raw Maca Powder 400g
1 Litre Glass Jar x 2
700ml Glass Jar x 2

Gluten Free option available too.

That is a whole heaping lot of amazing organic whole food deliciousness! 

I'll leave you with some lovely feedback from one of my inspiring customers...

"I activate all my nuts and seeds and honestly notice such a difference in the quality of your products in comparison to other places I source them from!! My energy increases so much." Nik from www.nirmalawellbeing.com

Thanks!

X

Neva's Raw Rainbow Cake

New year, new inspiration, new price list, fresh starts, fresh energy! I feel rejuvinated with summer love and joy, excited about the boundless possibilities and carried forward with fresh momentum. I've been quiet the last months, enjoying life immersed in nature with my family. Taking a break, reenergising through stillness and nature. There were times last year when the momentum felt like a raging torrent I was struggling to keep my head above. Refreshed, it now feels like an endless source of energy, inspiration and love to feed the soul and life!

Here is the recipe for Neva's Raw Rainbow Cake. It is a vibrant, abundant, different, fun, nutritious and colourful celebration of cake! Enjoy!

Please don't freak out at the long list of ingredients, it is surprisingly simple and fun. It is a rainbow and each different coloured layer gets it's rich colour and vibrancy by being rich in fruits and veg of that colour. To get the colours so bright and vibrant the fruit ratio is quite high, this cake will still hold together if fully defrosted but somewhere halfway defrosted is best I think, not solid but sort of like an ice-cream cake. 

Violet Cake Base

1/2 cup almonds
3/4 cup sunflower seeds
1 dried fig
5 dates
3 tblsp frozen blackcurrants or blueberries
3 tblsp cacao nibs
2 tblsp coconut oil
pinch salt
I added a few purple edible flowers, lavender and wild pea flowers

Process everything in your blender or food processor until it sticks together nicely. Then press into the base of your cake mould, I used a round silicone cake mould, this makes it easy to get the cake out once frozen! A cake tin where you can undo the sides would work well too. Place in the freezer to firm.

Rainbow Layers

4 cups cashews soaked
1 cup coconut water
1 cup coconut milk
4 tblsp coconut oil (melted)
2 tblsp honey (melted)

Process everything in your blender until smooth. Then divide this mixture into 5.

Indigo/Blue Layer

1 part of cashew cream
1 cup frozen blueberries or blackcurrants or a mix
1/4 cup coconut water (optional, if you have a super high speed blender you won't need this extra liquid, but I've got a normal one...)

Blend until smooth, then spread over your Violet base layer and return to the freezer.

Green Layer

1 part cashew cream
1 cup frozen mango
2 tsp Conscious Life 3 Greens powder
sprig of mint
1/2 lime (skin removed, or zested)
1/4 cup coconut water (optional)

Again blend everything until smooth and then gently spread over your indigo/blue layer and return to the freezer. It's a good idea to let each layer freeze a little before spreading the next layer so they stay well separated. If you need to wait and let a layer solidify a little more just put the next layer in a bowl in the fridge until you are ready for it.

Yellow

1 part cashew cream
1 frozen banana
1/2 cup frozen mango
1 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp grated turmeric root
1/4 coconut water (optional)

Blend everything and gently spread over your green layer and return to the freezer.

Orange

1 part cashew cream
1 orange plus zest
1/2 carrot grated
2 tblsp grated beetroot
1 tblsp goji berries soaked to soften
1 tsp grated turmeric root
1/4 cup coconut water (optional)

Blend, spread, freeze : )

Red

1 part cashew cream
1 cup frozen raspberries
1/4 cup grated beetroot
2 tblsp goji berries soaked
1/4 coconut water (optional)

Blend, spread, freeze : )

The cake will need a good few hours to freeze, and then you will also want to take it out of the freezer an hour or maybe more before you serve it to let it soften a little. Once it's out to soften decorate it as you wish, I used raspberries and wild pea flowers xxx

I hope you make this, or any of the recipes I've shared here. I would love to know how they go! Leave me a message or comment and tag your creations #weareconsciouslife on Instagram or Facebook, and share the love!

Look at that rainbow princess fairy joy in those eyes! : )

All my love and light always,

We are one conscious life,

Namaste

Kate

Mini Lime and Coconut Pies

Mini Lime and Coconut Pies!

These are so cute, dainty and zesty! Like little bombs of love for your mouth. The lime curd is adapted from a fantastic recipe from Eleanor Ozich My Petite Kitchen Cookbook. This will make 18 mini pies, you will have plenty of lime curd and coconut cream leftover, you could easily double the base recipe to make more or larger pies.

Base

1/2 C cashews
1/2 C coconut
1/2 C dates
1 lime zest and juice

Combine all ingredients well in a food processor until sticky. Press small teaspoon amounts into the bases of silicone mini muffin trays and put into the freezer to firm.

Lime Curd

3 tblsp coconut oil
3 tblsp honey
4 eggs
1/2 C lime juice

Melt the coconut oil and honey together in a pan. Whisk the eggs and add to the pan with the lime juice, keep whisking over a low heat until the curd thickens. Store in a glass jar in the fridge.

Zesty Coconut Cream

1 can coconut cream (just the solid part)
zest of 1 - 2 limes
1 tblsp honey

Mix the honey and lime zest into the solid part of the can of coconut cream.

Assemble the pies by pressing the bases out of the mini muffin trays. Use a teaspoon to fill the bases with cold lime curd and then use another teaspoon to top the pies with zesty coconut cream. Garnish with extra lime zest and desiccated coconut. Beautiful, delicious and nourishing.

In my Spring garden... a Spring tonic, Chickweed Pesto and Rainbow Nasturtium Rice Paper Rolls

I am loving spring, feeling uplifted by the warm, fresh spring energy and the promise of new beginnings. This week I have been wandering in my garden, and enjoying these plant friends. I don't have a vege garden, I have a steep, wild and overgrown bank, and these are the nourishing 'weeds' that grow there...

My Herbal teacher told me, "you will find the herbs you need." So I was happy this spring to find Cleavers growing. I covered it in water overnight and then drank the liquid as a strengthening and nourishing spring tonic.

Chickweed is a common garden weed you will find in shady places prolifically in spring, it is high in minerals, particularly zinc, and is safe and tasty to eat in large quantities, delicious added to salad. I made a yummy Chickweed pesto with a bunch of Chickweed, a bunch of Parsley, 1/2 a cup of soaked pumpkin seeds, 1/4 cup olive oil, the juice of 1/2 a lemon, a garlic clove, salt and pepper.

And finally, Rainbow Nasturtium Rice Paper Rolls with a simple satay style dipping sauce. I have been looking forward to making these all week, and spontaneously had the chance last night. We enjoyed them as a light, super quick and easy dinner, and the kids loved them! My kids love hands on meals like these, where they can have fun helping me to grate the veges and then roll them, and also eat with their hands! I also love the experience of eating with my hands. In the Ayurvedic tradition, each finger represents each of the 5 elements and using your hands to prepare and eat food is an important part of the digestion and energetic process.

For the Rainbow Nasturtium Rice Paper Rolls, I used freshly picked Nasturtium flowers, which have a slightly spicy flavour, perfect for this asian inspired meal. Finely chopped asian greens, red cabbage, fennel fronds, mint and coriander. Grated carrot, beetroot and zucchini. Dip the rice paper rolls in warm water for a few seconds then lay flat on the bench, place your beautiful nasturtium flower face down first and then add your rainbow coloured veges, finally roll up tightly. The dipping sauce is a large dollop of homemade nut butter, a small chunk of fresh ginger grated, a tablespoon of Tamari soy sauce and just enough water to mix it to a lovely dipping consistency.

The herb drawings are from the book, "Weeds Heal; A Working Herbal" by Isla Burgess. It is important always to be absolutely sure you have the right plant!

Cacao, Beetroot, Bean Cupcakes

These cupcakes are rich, chocolatey, fudgey goodness but are actually super nutrient dense. I just love giving my kids delicious treats like these that are totally good for them!  Especially as my oldest can't do gluten or dairy, I feel it's so important she doesn't always feel like she's missing out.

Cacao, Beetroot, Bean Cupcakes

3/4 to 1 cup dates (depending on sweetness preferred) 

2 cups cooked adzuki beans (or canned beans)

1 cup grated beetroot

1/2 cup coconut flour

3 eggs or 1/4 cup ground flax mixed with 1/2 cup water

generous 1 cup coconut cream

1/2 cup cacao

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp vanilla

1 tblsp maple syrup, stevia or honey

1 tblsp Apple cider vinegar

1 tsp baking soda

Chop dates in food processor first, then add all other ingredients and process till well mixed and smoothish. Bake in greased muffin tins at 180 for 30 - 35 minutes. 

Ice with the solid part of a can of coconut cream mixed with 2 tblsp cacao and 1 - 2 tblsp honey. 

Warming, Immune Boosting, Stomach Settling Tea

We've also had our fair share of the bugs around, this tea recipe was created as a delicious alternative to lemon, ginger and honey drinks. The orange, cinnamon and ginger make it lovely and warming, while it also contains the immune boosting properties of orange, ginger, turmeric and honey, as well as the stomach settling benefits of fennel, cinnamon and ginger.

Warming, Immune Boosting, Stomach Settling Tea

1 orange
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp fennel seed
2 cm chunk of fresh ginger and turmeric root
honey

Quarter the orange and squeeze the juice into a tea pot, add the skin in too. Finely chop or grate the ginger and turmeric root and add to the pot with the cinnamon and fennel seed. Pour over boiled water and let steep. Stir in honey. Pour into cups through a tea strainer.

We are One Conscious Life.

Namaste

Kate x

Pumpkin Pie Quinoa Porridge

Rainbow winter sunrises and crescent moons.
The wheel turns, bringing gifts of each new season,
and always raw astounding beauty, mystic magic,
and deep connection through our Mother Nature.

Namaste,

Kate x

I've been finding winter breakfasts less than inspiring. I like to eat fresh, have never been much of a porridge girl, but my kids love it and it just feels right to serve something so warming, nourishing and comforting on a chilly morning. This recipe makes a nice change from oats and still doesn't take too much time or organisation for the those rushy weekday mornings. This even got a tick from 6 year old daughter who is usually less than approving of quinoa. I find it perfectly sweet and creamy with the pumpkin and coconut cream but if you like things on the sweeter side add a few chopped dates or raisins while cooking or sprinkled on top with some chopped walnuts and pumpkin seeds.

Pumpkin Pie Quinoa Porridge

1 cup quinoa
1 cup water
1 cup coconut cream/milk or milk of your choice
1-2 cups grated pumpkin (or left over roast pumpkin)
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp each cardomon, cloves, nutmeg

Leave quinoa to soak in water plus a drop of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice overnight. Drain and rinse well in the morning. Add all ingredients to a pot, stir and cook covered for 15 minutes, until quinoa is cooked and liquid absorbed, add a little more if you like your porridge runnier.

Autumn Love

Fresh Autumn Greetings,

A chill in the air, wrapped up in reds, oranges, browns and green apples. Warm woollens and hot soup bubbling on the stove. I'm not the only Autumn lover.

I've been wanting to get this new price list out to you for days, apologies if you were waiting. The amount of orders I've been receiving has meant it kept getting put back. And that's fantastic!

I was totally inspired on Sunday at a workshop held by Lindsay from Hart, Mind and Food at Flour Flower. Lindsay brings a lifetime of knowledge and an experienced chefs perspective to immune boosting super foods and nourishing whole foods. Let thy food be thy medicine and while your at it, infuse it with joy and passion, savour the colour, flavour, texture, love the taste! Not only was I inspired by Lindsay, I was inspired by a room packed full of people who care about eating real nourishing whole food. YES!

So seeing as this is a little rushed, I just want to share a collection of autumn foodie inspirations, I hope they light a spark in you to step into your kitchen and create, with love. I would like to share the recipes with you, hopefully soon on a real website and blog! And then they will all be there in one place to find as you need them.

Keep creating, eating, ordering nourishing organic whole foods, just reply to let me know what you would like.

Namaste,

Kate x

Green apples turn to Crunchy Autumn Apple Crumble, with homemade Coconut Milk and Cinnamon Coconut Cream

Autumn lunch of Warming Dal, veges and homemade red and green pestos.

Another lunch I've been loving... Autumn Rainbow plate, a rainbow of fresh veges, homemade rocket pesto, hummus, pink kim chi and a buckwheat loaf.

I just love a coffee and a scone or muffin! Dense, chewy, mmm, this day I just couldn't help it, coffee, Green Apple and Date Buckwheat Scones and a glass of fizzy fresh turmeric root and orange water kefir. Refreshing.

We are One Conscious Life.

Namaste

Kate x

Kiwi Chia Jam with Cardamon and Lime

Welcome to a fresh Conscious Life instalment,

For the last two weekends I have loved being at the market on Saturday morning, sharing sweet, nourishing, raw chocolate and treats and meeting interesting people interested in whole foods, so if that's you, welcome!

As much as I'd love to do it all, I've had to admit to myself, I just can't. I do look forward to having the space and energy to return to the markets when the time is right. So with a fresh perspective, I'm a mother first, committed to feeding my family nourishing whole food as close to it's natural state as possible. A big part of this holistic way of enjoying health and happiness is slowing down. Taking the time to cook from scratch, to spend time with my family, to relax! Feeling stressed and rushed seems a part of life these days, but I have made a choice, I do not want to feel like that constantly. Getting things done will come second to peace of mind.

So I apologise if this price list and newsletter has taken a little longer to get to you, but I invite you to slow down too. Nothing is more important than your health and happiness, so relax! You deserve it! Take the time to nourish yourself and your loved ones, with time spent together, doing things that nourish your whole being and with organic whole foods, cooked with extra time and love.

Enjoy the recipes and musings, take a look at the price list and just reply to this email with what you'd like to order.

Namaste,

Kate x

Kiwi Chia Jam with Cardamon and Lime

The yellow kiwi fruit I used are so sweet! No need for honey in this chia jam and I added a squeeze of lime and a touch of spice for an extra tang to balance the sweet.

2 cups chopped yellow kiwifruit
juice of half a lime
1/2 tsp cardamon
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup chia seeds

Roughly blend all ingredients except chia seeds, transfer to a jar and stir through chia seeds, leave in the fridge to set.

We devoured this jam on a batch of coconut pancakes, the recipe on the petite-kitchen.com blog, if you haven't had a look yet, do! Delicious, wholesome food, recipes and stunning photographs.

We are One Conscious Life.

Namaste

Kate x

Raw Fig, Ginger and Brazil Nut Crumble Slice

Raw Fig, Ginger and Brazil Nut Crumble Slice

For the base

1 cup brazil nuts
1/2 cup cashews
1/2 cup sunflower seeds
1/2 cup dates
1/2 cup dried figs
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ginger
pinch salt
1 tblsp coconut oil
1/4 tsp vanilla extract

Add all ingredients to a food processor and process until nicely chopped and will hold together well when pressed.
Press 2/3 of the mixture into the base of a slice tin or plastic container and put in the freezer to firm up.

For the filling

4 dried figs chopped
1 orange peeled or 2 fresh figs
1 tblsp chia
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ginger
pinch salt
1/4 tsp vanilla extract

Add all ingredients to a food processor and process until combined well.
Spread over the base and crumble the remaining base mixture on the top. Put into the fridge or freezer to firm up and set then slice up and enjoy!

We are One Conscious Life.

Namaste

Kate