SOULFUL RECIPES

Time is not something that modern life allows, which is why it’s so important to get organised if you want to be healthy! Darker nights mean that if we get in from work and we are not prepared, the temptation to order in or grab something processed is inevitable. Here are some of my favourite tips and recipes for soulful winter living.

NUT MILKS

(Pictured left) I love my nut milks, and once you get used to making them, it takes no more than five minutes to make creamy, fresh, delicious milk. I buy organic nuts in bulk from the Green Door Market, see thegreendoor.ie, as it’s more cost-effective.

I soak my nuts to activate them. Nuts contain enzyme inhibitors and phytates, making the digestion and absorption of nutrients difficult, as phytic acid binds to minerals in the digestive tract. Soaking nuts in water with a pinch of pink Himalayan salt neutralises the enzyme inhibitors.

I soak my nuts for 8-12 hours, and then I rinse them and freeze them. You can use the nuts straight after soaking, as the soaked nuts are nice and plump from the water. I soak large batches of nuts, so I always have some at hand from the freezer.

You can have sweetened or unsweetened nut milk. I sweeten mine with dates. Dates are a good source of energy, iron, potassium, vitamin A, fibre and antioxidant flavonoids. I always have some dates soaking in a jar of filtered water in my fridge. You will also need a nut-milk bag, try downtoearth.ie; and a bowl.

You will need a blender for this recipe. I use my Nutri Bullet. Ingredients A small handful of nuts (12-15) A pinch of Pink Himalayan salt 2-3 dates to sweeten (optional) Method 1 Put the nuts in a blender and add 20fl oz (1pt) water. 2 Blend for a couple of minutes until the mixture is creamy and frothy. Play around with nut quantities and consistency. I find around 12-15 nuts the perfect amount. 3 Pour into a nut-milk bag and squeeze through. This is possible the most satisfying part! 4 Transfer into a jug or bottle and serve. I use the milk on oats, muesli, in matcha lattes, and as a base for soups.