All American Pancakes

Since Pancake Day is right around the corner... (March 4th) I thought it would be a good idea to do a pancake recipe post! This recipe will have a slight twist however as I have just started a vegan diet so there won't be any dairy in this mixture. 

I have adapted this recipe from the BBC's online recipe so I will link that here if you would prefer to stick to the original! 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/fluffyamericanpancak_74828

Ingredients:
- 140g plain flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 2 and a half tbsp caster sugar
- 130 ml milk (I use Koko Milk but any dairy free alternative will work)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- Blueberries

Extras:
- A large mixing bowl
- A medium mixing bowl
- A frying pan


Now, here's what to do...

• Sift the dry ingredients into the mixing bowl.
• In the medium bowl mix the oil and milk together.
• Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix together until there are no lumps.
• Turn the hob on and add some vegetable oil to the pan and allow to heat up.
• Once the pan is nice and hot add a big dollop of mixture.
• If you are using blueberries, sprinkle a few blueberries over the pancake and wait for one side to cook.
• Flip the pancake over and allow the other side to cook.
• Repeat this process until all your batter has been used.
• Serve with a generous pouring of maple syrup and eat while still warm.

If, like me, you prefer to have a bit of a mix with your pancakes then try adding blueberries to a couple of pancakes and leaving a couple plain. Or if you have more of a sweet tooth then add some chocolate chips (provided you are not on a vegan diet OR you can source some vegan friendly chocolate chips!). Another option for those of you who are not vegan is to fry some thin strips of bacon and serve with plain pancakes and maple syrup. There are many more additions you can make to this recipe to have a delicious serving of pancakes for Pancake Day, or any day really, so why not get experimental!

Enjoy! 

Dirty Burger - Kentish Town

I know I am by no means a food 'expert' but I thought I would give my blog another edge and let you know some of my thoughts about restaurants I have been to recently...

A couple of weeks ago I went to Dirty Burger in Kentish Town with my brother and sister. Having never been before I didn't really know what to expect! Essentially, it is a 'fast food' establishment as you go up to the counter, make your order, receive a number and wait for your food to be ready. If you are in the mood for something quick or want food to take away then this is ideal. If you are planning to eat in then the quirky venue, sociable seating arrangements and relaxed atmosphere make it an enjoyable experience. 

On the menu are three things: a 'cheeseburger', a 'dirty bacon' and a 'dirty cop out'. As a side you could order crinkle cut fries or onion fries. I ordered the cheese burger and shared a portion of crinkle cut fries with my sister. It was amazing! The fries in particular were great and there were some crunchy ones in there too which I love. The bun had a slight sweetness to it which I thought complimented the burger really well. Overall, I enjoyed every bit of it and would definitely go back!

If you are ever in the Kentish Town area or in Vauxhall where they have a second venue, I would really recommend trying it out, especially if you are looking for a quick bite to eat. 

All gone...

If you are interested in checking them out, here is the link to their website for more information: http://www.eatdirtyburger.com

Stir Frydays

If you're looking for a delicious, quick and substantial meal before going out on a Friday night (or any night for that matter), then this is the perfect meal for you. 


Ingredients:
- 1 x nest of egg noodles (add more noodles if you are making it for more people)
- 1 x salmon fillet (again more if you are cooking for more people)
- Brocoli
- Stir fry vegetables
- Honey
- Soy sauce
-Olive oil

Extras:
- Medium saucepan
- Medium frying pan




Now, here's what to do...

• Bring a pan of water to the boil, put the noodles in and cook for three minutes or until they are soft all the way through.
• While the noodles are cooking heat the oil in a frying pan and add the broccoli.
• Let the broccoli cook for about a minute and then add the vegetables.
• While the veg are cooking in the frying pan chop the salmon into cubes and add to the frying pan.
• Pour a liberal dash of soy sauce and a big squeeze of honey into the frying pan.
• Once the noodles are cooked, drain them and add them to the frying pan.
• Allow everything to fry in the pan for about a minute.
• Add extra soy and/or honey for extra flavour if you like.
• Serve either on a plate or a in a bowl and enjoy!

If you aren't a big fish fan then this recipe is just as tasty with chicken or pork and the method is exactly the same! To spice it up a bit you can add some chilli sauce once its cooked or add some peppers to the mix. 

Enjoy!

P.S. I know the photos show the salmon cooking in the pan first but actually the salmon cooks quicker than the veg so it works out much better to put it in the pan last. 

Spicy Ramen Soup

This may not be the prettiest looking meal but it is one of my all time favourite things to make. It's quick and easy and the result is really yummy. If you're in the mood for a light meal or even just a snack then this is the ideal thing to cook!


Ingredients:
- 150g uncooked prawns
- 2 x nest of rice vermicelli noodles
- Spring onions
- 2 x chicken stock cubes
- 5 - 8 tbsp soy sauce (depending on personal preference)
- 2 tbsp demerara sugar
- 2 x fresh chilies 
- Fish sauce to taste
- Flaked chillies (if you like it spicy!)
- Prawn crackers to serve with

Extras:
- A large saucepan with a lid
- A small frying pan


Now, here's what to do...

• Bring about half a pan of water to the boil.
• While the water is boiling, cook the prawns in a frying pan until they are nice and pink.
• When the water has started to boil add the chicken stock and stir to dissolve.
• To this liquid mixture, add the prawns followed by the soy sauce and give it a stir.
• Chop the spring onions and chillies and add them to the pan.
• Leave it to simmer for a couple of minutes with the lid on the pan.
• After a few minutes of simmering add the fish sauce, using as much or as little as you like. I usually go for a couple of teaspoons!
• Once again, let it simmer for a couple of minutes and then add the noodles.
• It will take a minute or so for the noodles to soften up but once they do the soup is ready to serve.
• You can add the prawn crackers to the soup or simply eat them as a side.

The soup, as with many of my other recipes, is easily adapted, for example, by adding extra spices or using some lemongrass. This is one of the great things about it and it makes it exciting every time! Also, it's a great dish to make in large quantities and store for the days when you really don't feel like cooking anything!

Enjoy. 

Easy Breakfast Smoothie

This smoothie takes less than five minutes and is the perfect alternative for those of you who don't have time to sit down for breakfast in the mornings! It's quick, yummy and very filling. It also works as a snack throughout the day and it's super easy to take this with you to uni/school/work/anywhere!


Ingredients:
- 2 x medium sized bananas
- 100g blueberries (frozen fruit works just as well for a less expensive option)
- 2 tbsp greek yoghurt with honey
- A drizzle of orange juice (optional)

Extras:
- A blender


Now, here's what to do...

• Put the blueberries and yoghurt into the blender.
• Chop the banana into thin slices and add to the blender.
• Pour the orange juice into the blender (if desired).
• Mix until everything has blended together and you have a runny liquid.
• Pour into a serving glass or portable thermos if you have taking it with you!

This smoothie is so adaptable and you can add all sorts of different fruits for a delicious and healthy breakfast or snack.