MESSY BENCHES

Chai spiced cupcakes with a butter cream top and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Sweet and spicy and perfect for a cold winter’s day.

Beef short rib has become a favourite of mine in the world of barbecue. Dry brined, seasoned with a simple rub and cooked low and slow for about 7 hours it runs a close second to brisket for me.

Most breakfasts for Marina and I consist of a smoothie and a coffee. It took us a while but eventually we saw the light and decided to combine the two and make an espresso smoothie.

A group of dietary sugars called FODMAPs can be responsible for IBS symptoms. A strict diet followed by a slow re-introduction of possible triggers helps to identify what foods to avoid.

A traditional baked lemon cheesecake layered with lemon curd and topped with crunchy sweet meringue.

A traditional Aussie burger with bacon, cheese, egg, lettuce, tomato, onion, beetroot, BBQ sauce and a beef patty seasoned with a Vegemite dust.

Extra gooey chocolate brownies baked in the barbecue with a hint of pecan smoke and topped with a decadent hazelnut ganache.

A chocolate peppermint slice with a date nut base, an almond butter and mint middle with a chocolate topping. Directions for Thermomix and food processor.

Nut, gluten and dairy free muesli bar bites with dark chocolate chips – perfect for school lunch boxes.

Thou shall never buy bacon from the store again. We were blown away with how much better this homemade bacon tasted compared to the store bought variety. The stronger, fresher flavour and the fact you can cut it as thick or thin as you like puts it miles ahead.

Smoothies are a breakfast staple for Marina and I. This one is a chocolate, peanut butter, banana and protein smoothie. I think it might be a new favourite for me.

Chewy choc chip cookies. Gluten free and made with dates, maple syrup, coconut and gluten free flour. Quick and easy in the Thermomix or food processor.

Char Sui Pulled Pork cooked low and slow. Great served with an Asian style coleslaw or in burgers with slaw and mayo.

Healthy no bake coconut strawberry cheesecake slice with a shortbread crust and dark chocolate drizzle. Made in the Thermomix.

Why I am gluten free and how I learnt to listen to my body to reduce joint pain and inflammation. This is my health story.

gluten, refined sugar free and low FODMAP choc chip peanut butter cookies. These tasty and slightly chewy cookies are quick and easy to make in the Thermomix or food processor.

No bake caramel slice converted for Thermomix. Recipe from Fit Mitten Kitchen – a great source for healthy recipes including Whole30 compliant goodies.

Pecan and macadamia nut brownies with a hazelnut ganache that are quick and easy to make in the Thermomix or high powered blender.

Gluten and dairy free matcha green tea cookies. Matcha green tea is full of antioxidants known to improve your immune system, aid detoxification, maintain gastrointestinal health and promote energy.

I love breakfast chia puddings and breakfast smoothies so the thought of combining the two sounds like a great breakfast to me. Chia seeds are packed full of fibre, protein and Omega-3 fatty acids.