GRANOLA BARS

I don't know how about you, but I feel very tired in spring time. And I find it very frustrating, because there are many things I want to be doing and I cannot find the strength. So I thought I will try some snack that can boost my energy levels. Not sure if it actually works or its just a placebo effect, but these bars taste so nice they can be easily a treat. and guilt free as there is no sugar. 

HOMEMADE GRANOLA

Breakfast are very important to me. I am not able to do anything else before I eat. And most of the time I eat cereals for breakfast, I particularly like granola. I have been planning to make my own for a while but I guess I was a little lazy. Recently I found a great recipe that allows me to experiment a little. Add a nut or leave out the fruit. So I can make exactly what I love and I know exactly whats in it. I add more of things that I should be eating but don't particularly enjoy on it's own, such as pumpkin seeds. They are full of zinc and great for healthy nails and hair...or so my mum always used to say.

The preparation is fairly quick and the baking time is 40-50 minutes. I have managed to make one before I went to work. I don't think I will be buying granola ever again. It really does taste amazing, fresh, crunchy and not too sweet.
I normally eat it with yoghurt and fresh fruit such as blueberries, sliced apples, or other berries in season and recently I've been enjoying sessional rhubarb which I stew with a bit of honey. Just delicious. It is equally as nice with almond milk. Not to mention that its gluten free and full of goodness.

If you're a fan of healthy morning cereals like me, I urge you to give it a go. I bet you will be hooked.
Just follow this easy recipe.

"Du Pain et Des Idées"

«Du Pain et des Idées» is Paris’ prettiest bakery of traditional handcraft located near Canal St. Martin. The bakery dates back to 1889 and was re-envisioned by former fashion industry executive Christophe Vasseur in 2002.

All of the breads and pastries are made the most traditional way (here, a baguette is made in seven hours) and with the best ingredients (only fresh, seasonal fruit is used for the pastries.)

This bakery is full of flavours, a little wonderland full of exciting products. The star however is their signature bread "Pain des amis", with a thick caramelised crust, aerated middle and slightly nutty flavour. Christophe recommends to eat it with a good slice of ham, a Pata Negra or a piece of Bellota. Alain Ducasse serves this bread in his restaurant at the Plaza Athénée.

You should also taste the «Brioche Mouna», a traditional North African speciality. It's a butter brioche with orange blossom. Its so fragrant, its possible to smell it before you even walk inside. It is delicious with just a smear of salted butter.

HEALTHY PANCAKES WITH APPLES

Some of my friends have been asking for healthy recipes to start new years detox regime. So I took a pancake recipe and swapped some ingredients to make it less guilty pleasure and more healthy boost. I ended up with this delicious fluffy, cinnamony pancakes with apples. I used just honey to drizzle over the top and the fruit. You could also use Agave syrup, which is now available in most supermarkets. If you want to go even more healthy, opt for sugar free almond or oat milk and instead of sugar just mix in two tablespoons of honey.

Check the recipe below to treat yourself to healthy but luscious breakfast. Let your imagination run free with the toppings. Natural yogurt, chopped nuts or any fruit you love.  I could only eat six of those as the wholemeal is much more filling, higher in fibre and tastes of nuts.