Brain food breakfast

Recently, I've been trying to eat more healthily because I've really got into keeping fit and finding new recipes that are guilt free, yet effortlessly delicious. Porridge is my go-to breakfast that keeps me going for hours. Oats slow-release energy, keeping your blood sugar levels steady throughout the day and making them perfect before a work out or exams. Today, I stirred in some cinnamon and topped it with strawberries, blackberries, flaked almonds, chia seeds and honey.  Red berries are perfect to add on any kind of breakfast meal, whether it be cereal, yoghurt, granola or oatmeal. They are full of antioxidants, with some high in vitamins that help to combat disease. Also, blueberries apparently improve memory, which is pretty much what most exams rely on. Sprinkling nuts and seeds on the top is also great as they are full of protein and fibre, acting as a great alternative to meat for vegetarians or vegans. I know a lot of people don't like porridge, so a good way to incorporate oats into your diet is honey or chocolate granola or some kind of breakfast crumble.

I then had a raspberry and banana smoothie and it was so good, you have to try it! First, put any plant based/ normal milk or coconut water into your blender. Then, add two tablespoons of Total greek natural yoghurt. The reason I used this, is because it's really thick and creamy and it doesn't have that much flavour so you don't just get a yoghurt tasting smoothie. If you are vegan, you could thicken it with dates, avocado or maybe a bit of soya yoghurt. After that, I put in around three handfuls of frozen raspberries (if they're frozen it's thicker and really nice and cold) and half a banana in for a fruity flavour. You don't have to use these fruits, you can change it up and use as much or as little as you like. When you serve it, add a couple of cubes of ice and you are good to go! If theres some spare, you can always put a glass in the fridge and have it later or the next morning. 

These two together honestly keep me going until lunch. They don't leave you bloated and feeling really heavy; it's a really nice light, summer breakfast to have.

I'd love to know what your go-to breakfasts or smoothies are. Feel free to comment!
Daisy xx

Chocolate galore

Seeing as it's my birthday this week, there can't be a better excuse to bake a cake. This chocolate cake is the best thing I have ever tasted, and for anyone who likes to bake, you have to try out this recipe! My moms friend is an amazing cook, and made this cake for a friends birthday; once I tried it, I became slightly obsessed. It seemed a little strange making a cake for my own birthday, but I was desperate to try this out and I'm so glad I did. 

The recipe is by Nigella Lawson. It's perfect for any celebratory occasion or maybe just a cosy weekend in. There are quite a few different parts to the method, so I've put in the link if you're willing to give it a go. I'm not the best baker, so it can't be that hard! The sponge is super moist, and the dense chocolate almost makes it taste like a brownie. As in the recipe, I used a thin layer of dark chocolate frosting which is really shiny and reflects the light- if you don't like dark chocolate you could use milk or white. The basic frosting could have been left as it was, and the cake would still of looked and tasted incredible. However, because I had a load of Maltesers and chocolate fingers I decided to cover the cake and pile it all on. I even crumbled cookie, and sprinkled glitter on top to finish it off.

If you ever get bored, the list of things to bake is endless, and this is just one of them.

Daisy xx