Salads

2 cucumbers, thinly sliced (about 400g) – Persian or Lebanese cucumbers are ideal for less water, more crunch

½ red onion, very thinly sliced (soak in cold water for 10 mins if you want to tame the bite)

1 tbsp honey (or maple syrup for vegan vibes)

1 tbsp white miso paste (the mellow kind—red miso is a little too dramatic here)

Salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper to taste

Make the miso-honey dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the miso paste, honey, vinegar, and sesame oil until smooth. Add a pinch of salt, pepper, and a tiny kiss of cayenne (or go heavier if you're a heat-seeker).

Prep the veg: Slice the cucumbers and red onion. If you’ve got the time (and a little cucumber drama to deal with), sprinkle the slices with a pinch of salt and let them sit in a colander for 10–15 minutes to draw out excess water. Then gently pat dry.

Toss and chill: Combine cucumbers and onions in a bowl, pour the dressing over, and toss to coat. Let it marinate in the fridge for at least 20 minutes for peak flavour mingling.

Serve it up: Finish with a final grind of black pepper and, if you're feeling fancy, a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped scallions.

Add crunch: Toasted sesame seeds, crushed roasted peanuts, or crispy fried shallots (yes, yes, and oh heck yes).

Add greens: A handful of baby spinach or shredded napa cabbage turns this into more of a slaw-style salad.

Make it a meal: Top with grilled tofu, poached shrimp, or a soft-boiled egg and serve over rice noodles. 

#cucumber-salad-glow-up #miso-magic #sweet-salty-umami  

Miso-Honey Cucumber Crunch Salad

3 large carrots, grated or julienned (about 300g)

1 crisp apple, grated or matchsticked (Granny Smith for tartness, Pink Lady for sweet sass)

60g sliced almonds, lightly toasted for max crunch (½ cup)

2 tsp honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)

Optional: Zest of the lemon or orange for an extra citrus lift

Prep the produce: Grate or julienne the carrots and apple. (Pro tip: if using a juicy apple, toss the shreds in a tiny bit of lemon juice right away to keep them from browning like last season’s trends.)

Mix the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, orange juice, honey, and a pinch of salt. Add the zest if you're feeling zesty.

Toast the almonds (Optional but highly recommended): In a dry pan over medium heat, toast the sliced almonds until golden and fragrant (2–3 mins). Let them cool.

Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, toss the carrots, apple, sultanas, poppy seeds, and almonds. Drizzle over the dressing and mix gently to coat.

Let it chill (literally): Pop it in the fridge for 15–30 minutes to let the flavors mingle and the sultanas plump up.

Serve & style: Give it one last toss, maybe a final sprinkle of almonds or poppy seeds on top for flair, and serve with a smug smile of salad superiority.

Want a savory edge? Add a few crumbles of feta or a handful of fresh herbs like parsley or mint.

Need more texture? Toss in shredded red cabbage or a few pumpkin seeds.

Feeling fancy? Add a splash of olive oil to the dressing for extra silkiness. 

#carrot-salad-glow-up #crunchy-creamy-dreamy #zesty-veggie-vibes #sweet-savory-balance #refined-recipes #fresh-and-fabulous 

#carrot-salad-glow-up #crunchy-creamy-dreamy #zesty-veggie-vibes #sweet-savory-balance...

Zesty Carrot, Apple & Almond Salad

Baby Snacks

225g dried apricots (that’s about 1½ cups, firmly packed)

100g almond meal (1 cup) – or use blanched almonds and blitz 'em!

2 tbsp honey – or maple syrup for a vegan twist

Desiccated coconut, for rolling (optional, but highly encouraged for texture & pizzazz)

Prep the apricots: If your dried apricots are feeling tougher than Monday morning, soak them in warm water for 5–10 minutes, then drain thoroughly.

Blend it all up: Toss the apricots, almond meal, honey, coconut oil, vanilla extract, and salt into a food processor. Blitz until it forms a sticky, dough-like mixture. You may need to scrape down the sides once or twice (you got this).

Taste test: You’re legally obligated (not really, but morally) to taste the mix here. Want it sweeter? Add a touch more honey.

Roll into balls: Use your hands or a small cookie scoop to roll into bite-sized balls—roughly 1 tablespoon each. If the mixture is too sticky, lightly oil your hands or chill the mix briefly.

Optional coconut glam: Roll the balls in desiccated coconut like they’re going to a fancy snack party.

Chill and set: Place the balls on a tray and pop them into the fridge for at least 30 minutes. They’ll firm up and become even more irresistible.

Swap apricots for dates, figs, or even dried mango for a tropical twist.

Add chia seeds or flaxseeds for a fiber boost.

Want crunch? Fold in some chopped roasted almonds at the end for texture.

Make it chocolatey: Add 1 tbsp cacao powder for a deeper flavor (and a darker soul).

Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 3 months (if they last that long). 

#healthy-snacks #apricot-almond-balls #energy-bites  

Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week, or freeze for...

Apricot & Almond Bliss Balls

Smoothies

 Let’s build your inner biome a smoothie throne. 👑🦠🍹 

Vibe: Tangy, earthy, slightly sweet, and buzzy with fermented realness. Like Eastern Europe meets wellness TikTok.

100 ml beet kvass (the pink fermented stuff—make or buy)

200 ml cold water or extra kvass if you’re hardcore

Optional: A tiny piece of horseradish or fresh dill

Blend everything until smooth and fizzy-magenta.

Pour into a chilled glass and prepare to feel like your gut is reborn.

#beet-kvass-smoothie #fermented-fuel #earthy-tangy-goodness #probiotic-party #smoothie-revival 

Let’s build your inner biome a smoothie throne. 👑🦠🍹

Beet Kvass + Apple Fusion Smoothie

Vibe: Creamy, umami-packed, rich with flavor and probiotic swagger. It’s not a shake—it’s an experience.

200 ml unsweetened soy milk or veggie broth

Optional: Pinch of chili flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce

Optional: 1 garlic clove, if you're into drama

Blend until smooth and creamy like a velvet elixir of savory power.

Serve cold, or slightly warm like a miso latte (seriously, it works).

#miso-magic #savory-smoothie #gut-loving-goodness #fermented-luxe #umami-elixir 

Vibe: Creamy, umami-packed, rich with flavor and probiotic swagger. It’s not a shake—it’s...

Savoury Miso-Tahini Gut Shake

You, my friend, are officially a Smoothie Sorcerer of the 9th Fermentation Realm. Get ready—because these fermented smoothies are wild, alive, tangy, funky, and glow-up-for-your-gut good. They might raise eyebrows… and then drop jaws. 

Vibe: Spicy. Sweet. Fermented fireball of flavor. Like a Korean taco and a tropical cocktail went on a cleanse.

¼ cup kimchi, chopped (get a good, not-too-fishy one)

Optional: 1 tsp honey (if the kimchi is extra funky)

Optional: A sprig of mint for fresh finish

Blend all ingredients until spicy-sweet and slightly fizzy.

Taste and adjust—add more pineapple if too tangy, or more kimchi if you're brave.

🧠 Bonus Tip: Want more probiotic power? Add a spoonful of kimchi brine too. Do it. I dare you.

#fermented-smoothie #kimchi-kick #pineapple-punch #gut-health-wizard #funky-but-fabulous 

You, my friend, are officially a Smoothie Sorcerer of the 9th Fermentation Realm....

Kimchi + Pineapple Gut Bomb Smoothie

Vibe: Salad dressing gone drinkable—in the best possible way.

1 large handful kale (about 30 g), tough stems removed

200 ml cold water or unsweetened almond milk

Optional: 1 anchovy fillet or a dash of Worcestershire sauce

Blend all ingredients until silky and savoury.

Pour into a glass and give it a Caesar-worthy swirl.

#kale-caesar-smoothie #salad-in-a-glass #green-goddess-drink #savory-shake #drink-your-dressing 

Kale Caesar Smoothie

Vibe: Like if a smoky tomato soup and a hummus had a love child and called it brunch.

½ cup cherry tomatoes or canned diced tomatoes (no salt added)

¼ cup white beans (e.g., cannellini or navy)

1 tbsp nutritional yeast (optional cheesy depth)

Garnish with black pepper and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.

#savory-sip #smoky-smoothie #plantprotein-potion #tomato-blend-trickery #smoothie-but-make-it-meal 

 Smoky Tomato + White Bean Smoothie

Vibe: Garden-fresh, tangy, spa-meets-tapas-bar.

200 ml cold water or unsalted veggie broth

Optional: A pinch of cumin or a few drops of hot sauce

Blend until smooth and sippable. Chill if needed.

Serve in a glass, bowl, or shot glasses if you’re feeling fancy.

#savory-smoothie #green-gazpacho-sip #spa-vibes #herby-goodness #cold-soup-but-make-it-smoothie 

Green Gazpacho Smoothie

Vibe: Sweet, nutty, spiced, and glorious. Basically drinkable baklava. You're welcome.

1 tbsp walnuts, soaked (for smoother blending)

1 tsp orange blossom water (optional but very baklava-esque)

Optional: A drop of rose water for floral flair

Optional: Top with crushed nuts + a drizzle of honey

Close your eyes and pretend you’re sipping it in a sun-dappled courtyard in Istanbul.

#baklava-smoothie #middle-eastern-dessert-drink #nutty-and-nice #floral-and-fabulous #dessert-for-breakfast #spice-me-up 

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