Despite being a gourd – which traditionally grow on a stem close to the ground – chokos are the social climbers of the vine world. Plentiful in Australia, they are also known as chayote, christophe, xuxu and belong to the cucurbitaceae family, as do melons, zucchinis and pumpkins. These ridged, cucumber-pear like vegetables’ appearance can often deter the uninitiated cook, however they are delicious and lend themselves to some very tasty dishes indeed. If in doubt about where to start from, … [Read more...] about Choko Chanel. How to cook chokos
Happiness
Deepak Chopra Bliss Balls
____These ultimate bliss balls come from Deepak Chopra’s secret recipe to promote a healthy digestion and purify the body - mind. They're best kept chilled to keep their shape and will keep for up to 7 days in the fridge. First published Feb 13, 2012. In Mexico City in 2015 I had the great pleasure of meeting Dr.Chopra who also spoke at the Global Wellness Summit. You might also like … [Read more...] about Deepak Chopra Bliss Balls
Berry protein smoothie
Here’s a favourite protein smoothie packed full of protein, fresh berries and abundant superfoods. Based on my clinical experience in Chinese medicine, weight gain for the fit and healthy person is predominantly due to fluid retention, dampness, cold and bloating in the gut. It’s amazing what a few days of warming foods – such as a lightly spiced pumpkin soup or curry – can do, yes even on a hot day. Therefore try to avoid raw food and cold salads especially those straight from the fridge. I … [Read more...] about Berry protein smoothie
No bake pecan cacao brownies
Who would have ever believed that something so healthy could taste so damn fine?! I guarantee that you will just love these sweet rich treats. But go easy, one a day is more than enough! … [Read more...] about No bake pecan cacao brownies
Figs with coconut yoghurt
I am forever devising concoctions that are dairy free for my readers who are dreaming of that cheesy feeling. So if there's no cow or sheep's milk yoghurt for breakfast, this means that necessity and consumer demand led to my first trial batch of coconut yoghurt in 2012. Here's how I made it. … [Read more...] about Figs with coconut yoghurt
Balinese sticky black rice pudding
Thanks to my dear friend Janet DeNeefe from Bali's famous Casa Luna Cooking School and her Honeymoon Guesthouse for this recipe. This highly nutritious,  famous pudding is mainly eaten in Indonesia as an afternoon snack. It’s great topped with fresh fruit, toasted coconut and, of course, a liberal amount of coconut milk. Next time you're in Bali, head up to Ubud and say hi to Bali Janet at Casa Luna and if you can't get there soon, be sure to buy a copy of her book Bali The Food of my Island … [Read more...] about Balinese sticky black rice pudding
Special fried rice
When I was growing up, bean sprouts were the only Asian ingredient you could find, and you could tell a good fried rice by the peas! When I moved to Byron Bay in 2008, the flavours of Melbourne’s Chinatown and Victoria Street are what I missed the most, so sometimes you have to make it yourself, just the way you like it. This is comfort food - which can be healthy in its own right if it makes you feel good and you only have it occasionally. I bought all the ingredients at a local Asian … [Read more...] about Special fried rice
Delish beetroot relish
Perfect with fish, chicken or red meat and even better with a sharp cheddar or over a bowl of steaming brown rice. Delish beetroot relish 1 dessertspoon olive oil 1 red onion, peeled, diced 2/3 cup apple cider vinegar 2/3 cup balsamic vinegar 2 tablespoons lemon juice 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1 teaspoon nutmeg ½ cup coconut sugar 750 grams beetroot, peeled, quartered, grated Heat oil, sautĂ© onions until transparent. Add remaining ingredients, reduce heat and simmer on very low for … [Read more...] about Delish beetroot relish