Words That Make A Difference #2

This week I'm all about appreciating what you've got.

I'm so often struck by how those who have a tougher lot in life seem to have the happiest and most positive outlook.  

No one's life runs totally smoothly, but you only get one shot at it, so you may as well appreciate what you have.

*Words That Make A Difference is a new series sharing some of my favourite quotes regarding life. I'm a great one for mantras and uplifting phrases, so I figured maybe sharing them may help a few of you too*

Super Simple Apple and Cinnamon Muffins

Recently I purchased a new silicon muffin tin and I have been addicted to muffin making since.

After reading and testing several different recipes I came up with this easy recipe for apple and cinnamon muffins.

It's super simple. Using a combination of melted butter and olive oil as opposed to the recipes that use olive oil only ensures that the muffins are moist but not greasey. The texture is great, and cinnamon and apple always makes a tastey combination.

The sliced apple topping is simple and effective. In hindsight I would:

1) have added a little less mixture to each mould as they rose and rose.

2)  brushed the apples with some apricot jam to add a nice sheen to the topping

These are easy, quick and make a good addition to any cup of tea or coffee. Yum. 

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Ingredients:- 190g all purpose flour

                   - 1.5 tsp baking powder (if you use self-raising flour, only add ½ tsp of powder

                   - 1 tsp cinnamon

                   - 2 eggs

                   - 30g sugar (ideally brown but can use white)

                   - 60g butter (melt it)

                   - 60ml olive oil

                   - 150-200g apple compote/sauce

                   - 2 Apples

                   - Apricot jam for brushing (optional)

To make: 1. Mix together your flour, cinnamon and baking powder

                2. In another bowl mix your eggs, sugar, oil, butter and compote/sauce

                3. Add the mixtures together and mix (but make sure you don't overmix!)

                4. Pop in to your muffin moulds (gresed if necessary)

                5. Thinly slice apple and place a couple of slices lightly on top of each muffin

                6. Brush apple with apricot jam for sheen or sprinkle some sugar over

                7. Bake at 180 Degrees Celcius for 20-25 mins (until the tops are browned and springy)

Words That Make A Difference #1

Welcome to Words That Make A Difference a new series sharing some of my favourite quotes regarding life. I'm a great one for mantras and uplifting phrases, so I figured maybe sharing them may help a few of you too.

This week I wanted to share this little phrase. For a long time I had this as the background on my phone, and it really does uplift. Pop it on your noticeboard or on a post-it at your desk or stick it on your fridge - a few words really do go a long way.

A change in attitude can make such a difference, even when it's against all odds, and that's why I love this little phrase. Even if you just apply it to one thing this week, go for it and see where it gets you.

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel

As the years have passed I have grown increasingly aware of having a good skin care routine. My skin type is slightly oily and so I am always keen to stop any potential outbreaks in their tracks. After a lot of tweaking I feel like I have eventually got a routine which works for me.

One product which has made it on to my tried and tested successful list is Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel. This oil free light weight moisturiser really lives up to the hype. I apply it at morning and night, it dries quickly and keeps the skin nicely hydrated without giving shine or increasing surface oil. I've definitely noticed that it has kept blemishes at bay, so all in all a thumbs up.

If you're more prone to drier skin then fear not because the lovely people at Clinique are looking out for you too with their Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion +.

I'd definitely recommend this range, it's certainly not cheap (50ml tube retail sat £17.00 & 125ml pump bottle is £29.50) but having good skin care is an essential foundation. I've had my bottle for  almost 3months and as you can see I still have a third left.

No moisturiser is a catch all, so whether it's Clinique or not, always make sure your moisturiser targets your skin type, it's amazing what a difference it can make.

Pop Off to Antwerp

Recently myself and the mister had a cheeky day trip to Antwerp. We enjoy Brussels but sometimes it's good to get out of town and see somewhere new. So we have drawn up a list of places to go, and this exploration saw us head to Antwerp.

Compared to Belgium's more touristy town's (Brugges and Ghent), Antwerp is very different. Brugges specialises in being like a real life toy town, and Ghent city centre is not far off. But where Antwerp flourishes in that respect is that it's refreshingly normal with far better shops than Brussels and also has some good foody corners. Enter Pop Off.

 

My sachetorte

This sweet little cafe is just behind the main square, and little is certainly the word. However with a window full of dribble worthy cakes, it draws in a tonne of people.

If you're lucky like us, you can land a table and then sit back, relax and enjoy! This cafe is a perfect spot for all. Gogreous acoustic music drifts through the rooms and you can see the owner/cake maker in action. When quizzing her over which cake to choose, she told us she loves them all - being her own boss she can choose her favourites, and try out new recipes if she fancies mixing it up. What a great way to live!

Pistachio-Cherry Goodness

We got a seat in the back, and chose the two beauties shown above- a Chocolate sachetorte for moi, and a pistachio-cherry mousey cake effort for the mister. All in all a great shout, the coffees even came with a square of sponge too (always appreciate extra cake).

So if you're popping off to Antwerp, you should definitely pop in to this little gem.

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Lime & Coconut Loaf

For this weekend's bake I decided to try a whole new concept...the healthy cake. Don't get me wrong, I am a big fan of eating a healthy and well balanced diet, and I always try to, but should that ever be introduced to cake?! I had my doubts, but I also had my hopes.

Anyways, part of my reason behind dipping my toe in this particular water was Lorraine Pascale. This beautiful and talented lady always conjures up the most wonderful food and so when I saw her recipe for a healthy lime & coconut loaf I had to try it.

This recipe (which you can find HERE) is all part of Lorraine's new campaign to have healthy baking, as well as being a chef she is also a model, so I am happy to take any tips she wants to send my way.

The recipe cleverly subs out butter for yoghurt (low fat of course) and contains reduced sugar. Due to the yoghurt the sponge was slightly fluffier than a usual loaf. I had my slight suspicion that a sneaky trick may be pulled in making this loaf just really small, however I can safely say it provided plenty slices, and this was one tasty cake! 

The zesty lemon toping had real zing and combined with the coconut sponge Lorraine has created a real winner. So if you've ever wondered, it looks like you can have your cake and eat it (even on a diet).

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