The best ice cream you'll ever try...promise!

Sometimes keeping it simple is seriously the best option. My little sister and I came off a 28-day juice fast last week (thank you Jason Vale!) and she was concerned about feeling restricted about her diet here-on-in.

 

We spent a few hours in the kitchen going through some basic recipes that you can still indulge in, without the guilt or feeling the compromise!

 

Below is a banana/mango and macadamia ice-cream with a 'chocolate' brownie and frozen raspberries.

 

The ice cream is essentially frozen banana and frozen mango placed into the Vitamix with a handful of macadamias. I've sprinkled a few cacao nibs on top.

 

The 'chocolate' brownies comes from the wonderful recipe you can find here: http://eatdrinkpaleo.com.au/chocolate-brownies-that-blew-me-away/ 

 

This seriously lives up to its name and will blow you away - you will never guess the ingredients once you have a taste! The next time I make them, I might add some orange rind or chilli for a different flavour also.

 

There you have it, guilt-free and such a beautiful dessert!

 

 

Our bible: Crunch Time Cookbook

Michelle Bridges' Crunch Time Cookbook has been our bible since the moment we brought it home. There is absolutely no guilt and only pure satisfaction after any of these meals, and they are so easy to make!! Complete bonus!

Michelle puts it all into perspective and I love the fact that she lets you know exactly how many calories to add when you add that extra bun to that hamburger.

Take a look at the Shepherd's Pie below, the topping is made out of cauliflower florets and the inside a concoction of lentils, mushroom, carrot and diced tomato. No potato or mince whatsoever!
We made this recipe one night when two friends came over and I was mortified when Georgina told me she didn't usually like cauliflower, but absolutely loved the combination with this! Phew! We also made them the ricotta pears (down below) for dessert. They must have loved them because Sarah was soon asking for the recipes (with a reminder the next day - now that's a good sign!)
I bought her the book and she's been sending me her own pictures and favourites ever since.

Eggplant lasagne with no lasagne sheets was another newbie and one that filled the tummy well, as well as the two stir-fry's. Michelle says the Pad Thai is a treat for "a Sunday night" but at 368 calories per serve, it's definitely a far-cry from the one you would order at your local Thai sit-in.

Penguin have posted some amazing videos of Michelle cooking up some of the great recipes in the book. She is definitely an inspiration to us!

Shepherd's Pie - with no potato!

Eggplant lasagne - with no lasagna sheets.

Amazing pear, ricotta, sultana and cinnamon dessert...

...straight out of the oven.

Pad Thai

Beans on toast with egg