Desserts

Organic Coconut Yoghurt

From the moment my daughter could choose her own food, she chose yoghurt. She was addicted - it was part of every meal until my naturopath pointed out that often the food you are addicted too is the food that is harming your body (don't confuse this with cravings, which is your body giving you a different signal).

My daughter suffered from terrible skin sensitivity and asthma until we sorted out her food issues. Dairy was one of those foods that we needed to eliminate. To ensure she can still get her yoghurt fix I now make coconut yoghurt for her. I love it but if your family is used to the flavour of dairy, this one might take a little getting used too. Like anything, introduce it slowly and keep at it - if you're a dairy free household it will be easier to introduce as there will be no alternative!

This recipe is made using a yoghurt maker such as Easiyo.

Coconut Yoghurt 

1 1/2 cans of Organic Coconut Cream (not the light stuff)

1 Tb honey

2 Tbsp thickener (I use Agar Agar - you can use gelatine, arrowroot or tapioca starch if preferred)

1 cup Live yoghurt culture (either use 1 cup of yoghurt or 2 probiotic capsules)

Heat 1 can of coconut cream, the honey and thickener gently for 5 minutes. Allow to cool to room temperature. Add the rest of the ingredients and mix well (so the culture is thoroughly distributed).

Pour into your yoghurt container and place in the yoghurt maker as per normal instructions.

Allow to culture for 12 hours (it requires longer than dairy yoghurt) then refrigerate for 12 hours.

Enjoy!

CHOCOLATE ICE-CREAM (DAIRY/ SUGAR FREE)

One thing you can't deprive your kids of (especially in the heat of an Australian Summer!) is ice-cream!

So what do you do then if your kids are dairy intolerant?

Ahhh, let me introduce another way that the humble banana can morph into your favourite dessert. Banana's, when frozen and blended, turn into a sticky, gooey, sweet treat with the same consistency as ice-cream. Add some cacao, coconut cream and honey and you have chocolate ice-cream. Yup, it's that simple folks.

Grab yourself a bag of bananas when they're on special and no-one else wants to buy them, cut them up and chuck them in the freezer, then make ice-cream on demand when you want to treat your kids.

Here's the recipe:

1 cup chopped and frozen bananas

1 cup Coconut Cream

1 Tb Cacao powder

1 Tb Honey

Blend all together till smooth.

Pour into a container and place in the freezer for 10 minutes.

Scoop out and into a cone just like you would with ice-cream.

Top with sprinkles and your kids will love you forever :-)

      Organic Apple and Pineapple Jelly

• 2 cups Organic Apple Juice (Have a look in the chilled drinks section of the supermarket, otherwise your  health shop should stock a biodynamic one - the taste is sensational!)

• 1 tsp Gelatine ( I use Agar Agar as Gelatine contains preservative 220. Agar Agar acts exactly the same as Gelatine. It is derived from seaweed and is all natural with no seaweed taste! It's about $18 for 75gms but this lasts forever. You can get it from a health store or online)

• 1/2 cup crushed pineapple ( fresh is best but use it from a can if need be!)

Method

• Pour the juice into a pot and add the Gelatine or Agar Agar (get the kids involved!)

• Heat slowly for 5 minutes then leave to cool. Once cool, add the crushed pineapple and stir. 
• Pour into a bowl and leave in the fridge to set.
• If you want to make it into a pretty shape like in the photo, wait until it has set then give it a stir and spoon into cooke cutter moulds on a plate. Squash it down and put back in the fridge for 5-10 minutes.

All recipes are taste tested by Josh as he's the hardest to please when it comes to healthy food - look at that smile - he loves it!